Results Are Great! Walking Reminder to Protect Yourself From the Sun - Kirkland, WA

I was diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma in July of 2009 only 2 months after I gave birth to my daughter. October 7 2009 I went in for the first of my 2 surgeries for the removal of the melanoma. The first surgery was to remove the actual skin and melanoma mole which ended up being about 2 inches of skin around my left eye. After the analysis was completed they realized that it had spread and would need to remove an additional section which was another 3 inches surrounding the area which included half of my eyelid and into my hairline.
I had the best surgeon I could ask for, very supportive and she did an excellent job. Both my dermatologist and my cosmetic surgeon all commented that the removal was excellent.

Pros and cons: well there are not very many cons that I can think of. It was a no-brainer of having the surgery and having it removed. If left alone it would have spread to my eye and I had a 75% chance of having Retinol Melanoma which would result in radiation treatments, removal of my eye and a high risk of spreading to my optical nerve into my brain. Although I did not want the surgery, it was a must and I am very happy I had it.
My motivation was this brand new little life I just brought into the world that I could not leave. I knew if I did not have this done, I may not be around to see her grow up and it was a simple choice.
When I am diagnosed with melanoma I told my dermatologist to book the appointments for the next availability, I did not want to wait on it for another moment.
I look back at pictures now and yes there is a scar, although it has healed and people do not notice it much, but it was so worth it. I have been melanoma free in that area since 2009 and could not be happier.
This diagnosis and surgery has changed my life completely. Growing up in Seattle where we have limited sun I rarely wore sunscreen, which I am sure was the cause of the melanoma. Now? I apply sunscreen twice a day, wear a foundation makeup with SPF of at least 30 and I slather on the sunscreen whenever I know I will be outside. I wear hats outside and I am always watching the time to ensure I re-apply the sunscreen within the appropriate time. The fear of having this has also helped me in protecting my daughter as well. Even though it may take a few moments longer, I make sure she has sunscreen on of at least 45+.
I have also been a visual reminder to my friends when they head outdoors. I have had numerous friends/family members mention to me that they always remember me when they are out in the sun and make sure to apply sunscreen.

What do I wish I knew beforehand. Wow there are so many things I wish I would have paid attention to. I wish I would have not used tanning beds when I was younger, although I only used a handful of times - I wish I could have seen into the future of what this did to my skin. I wish my mom would have applied sunscreen on me when I was younger more than she did. I wish I would have learned to apply it through college and on vacations.
Although this experience was a horrible one, we do learn from our mistakes and I have learned a huge lesson. I can now pass this along to my daughter and prevent her from going through what I have.