My oncologist told me today that he hopes never to have to see me again. No more semi-annual chest x-rays or blood draws and labs. He's very pleased for me. So am I.
How grateful I am that I recognized my increased risk factors for melanoma, and asked my personal physician at an annual physical about a suspicious mole inside my left knee area, starting a very quick process from diagnosis to surgery to keep the melanoma from developing into deadly consequences.
But, because I've once been diagnosed with melanoma, I continue to be 10x more at risk of another melanoma than if I'd never been diagnosed.
So, while continuing to be careful of excessive sun exposure, monitoring signs of skin mole changes, seeing my dermatologist annually, I proceed hopeful of staying cancer clear for years to come.
Melanoma risk management reduction has meant a few changes in my habits in recent years that increase my hope to keep dancing happily for years to come, including:
1. eliminating alcohol
2. increasing and varying my aerobic exercises and training
3. resulting in reduced adiposity - down 20 lbs
4. resulting in significant reduction of blood pressure to healthful levels
5. taken together improving my mental health and hopes for more successful aging
