I had a different plan for my blog this morning. I was going to write about the great new Vancouver street food and the recent TBEX 2011 conference but then a press release, a Choose Skin Health link and this Neutrogena video arrived in my inbox and it seemed quite apparent what I needed to write about.
I am currently in about the third month of using Aldara imiquimod cream for actinic keratosis. In real English that means I have nasty sun damage on my face that is a skin condition that could turn into cancer unless treated.
When I was growing up it was considered normal to burn several times during the summer because then it would eventually turn into that glorious burnished tan that reflected good health. And of course, I was using baby oil on my uber-pale skin. I have been diligently slapping 60 SPF on my face for the last decade but the previous damage can not be undone.
And now I watch all these beautiful girls lining up for their tanning beds or talking about getting their ‘base’ tan before they head off on their tropical vacation.
For those of you who know me, you know that my real concern is not about my face, although it has been a source of ongoing mortification. It is also the reason I’ve canceled a few different media events recently. The cream causes flare ups that make me want to wear a sign around my neck assuring people I’m not contagious. It is NOT fun.
But it is nothing compared to lives that are affected at a much deeper level. At this point, mine is merely cosmetic. Melanoma is a different beast altogether…albeit one that I am not interested in entertaining.
So this post is to you Melanoma. Leave the people I love alone. We are not interested in your drama.
Hit the road, Mel. And while you’re at it? Go to hell. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the heat.
Your post reminds me that I have one more reason to be grateful for living my entire life in Alaska – not many worries about sun burn. Fewer chances of melanoma, and wrinkles will be put off for longer. Now, if only I could thaw out….
Well won’t I look cute in the pool with a “whole face cover thing” and my Canadian snowsuit?
Ha! Perhaps we could just wear a scuba suit to the beach?
Colleen, great post! I’ve been holding off on getting the treatment done on my face as there just doesn’t seem to be the right time to have the spots (yes, those same ones that if left untreated could turn into the big C) removed. The treatments I’ve been getting this past year, to remove spots on my arms, legs, and one right smack between my eyes, is cryotherapy.
So, with cryotherapy, they spray liquid nitrogen on the spots and it freezes and kills the cells. Ever had a gun filled with liquid nitrogen coming at your face, while doctor (who is still shaking his head from all the sun damage I have), is saying “Don’t flinch–that would not be good”? I can tell you this: It is not good. And it hurts like hell. Burns for hours. Then it turns into an angry scab that takes weeks to go away–just to punish you further for your years of baby oil and roof top sunbathing, I swear.
So, I’m rambling now, but I do have to schedule some time to go through the blasted experience again — and as it’s on my face (both sides of my face), I’m trying to find a time when I might be able to hibernate from the world for 3 weeks and have not yet fit that into my schedule. But, I know I must do it. I will do it. Thank you for the reminder.
Ugh….And then there’s the age spots…don’t get me started.
Oh Gwen,
It’s true that misery loves company. Thank you so much for sharing.
Ah yes, the freezing nitrogen gun. I hate that thing. I’ve had that done three (or four times?) over the years. I’ve seriously considered converting to a very devout Orthodox Moslem and doing the whole face cover thing or maybe pretend I’m an on-patrol beekeeper and walking around with a pith helmet and heavy gauze swirling about my face.
The worst ones this time are on my lip, it peels and peels but doesn’t ever just leave!
It’s all a good argument for becoming a hermit 🙂