Amanda thought it was just dry skin, but it turned out to be skin cancer. Here’s her journey and important lessons on skin health.
Topics covered
Hey friends! 🌟 Let’s talk about something that really hit home for me recently. It’s the story of Amanda, a mom of four who thought she was just dealing with a little dry skin. Spoiler alert: it turned out to be way more serious! Let’s dive into her journey and what we can all learn about taking care of our skin!
When a simple dry patch turns serious
Amanda Anderson, 43, first noticed a small, dry patch on her nose during the chilly Utah winter. Like many of us would, she brushed it off, thinking it was just a seasonal annoyance. Winter dryness? Totally relatable, right? ❄️ But here’s where it gets real—after a visit to her GP, she was given some cream to ease the dryness.
Fast forward a bit, and that little spot started to bleed and scab. Alarm bells went off, and she knew she had to seek a second opinion.
A biopsy revealed the unexpected: basal cell carcinoma—the most common form of skin cancer.
At first, Amanda admitted she wasn’t super worried. After all, it was just a minor blemish, and she was diligent about wearing sunscreen. But hearing the words ‘skin cancer’ is a gut punch for anyone, especially when it’s on your face. 😳
The reality of skin cancer
So, let’s chat about the treatment. Amanda underwent Mohs surgery, a technique that removes skin layer by layer until no cancer cells are detected. This procedure left her with a penny-sized hole in her nose, which was skillfully repaired by folding skin from above and below. It took three rounds of this surgery before doctors confirmed they had cleared the cancer. Talk about a rollercoaster ride of emotions! 🎢
Amanda’s dad, Kirk, has his own history with skin cancer, having faced over 17 Mohs surgeries himself. Growing up in Arizona during the ‘80s, Amanda was surrounded by sun and tanning culture. She was well aware of the risks but didn’t always take the necessary precautions. She noted, ‘I’m very fair—I freckle, I don’t tan easily.’ Growing up near a tanning salon that wasn’t regulated? Yikes! Who else thinks we need more education on sun safety? 🙋♀️
Lessons learned and spreading awareness
Now that she’s on the mend, Amanda is all about spreading the word on protecting ourselves against skin cancer. ‘The damage is done when you’re young,’ she says, urging her daughters to wear sunscreen even under their makeup. It’s a reminder that we need to treat our skin with the same care we give our teeth! 🦷
Skin cancer is super common, with stats showing that in the US, about 9,500 people are diagnosed every single day. While basal cell carcinoma isn’t usually fatal, it can still cause serious damage. That’s why Amanda encourages everyone to check their skin regularly. She emphasizes the ABCDE rule for moles: Asymmetry, irregular Borders, Colour variation, large Diameter, and any Evolving changes.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Don’t ignore those little changes to your skin! Amanda’s experience is a powerful reminder that anyone can be affected, no matter how careful we think we are. She’s now on a six-month check-up schedule, but the most important thing is her simple advice: ‘If you notice something unusual, don’t wait. Get it checked.’ 💪
