Watch yourself in the sun this summer.

[M.T. Pockets]

My wife pointed out a small spot on her leg to her Dr., no big deal they just removed it and sent it off the the lab. Then the Dr. calls me at work to have my wife call as soon as possible. Turns out it was cancer. This didn't shake us up much since we both know lots of people who have had little spots of skin cancer cut off, no big deal.

The Dr. scheduled another visit with a surgean and he explained the surgery that was necessary. This was the eye opener, he said if things weren't too advanced they'd be able to get it all without skin graft, if it was further it was possible she could loose her leg. We got some information on melanoma and found out this is a whole different animal than the basil & squeemis skin cancer that grows on the surface. It's pretty deadly once it takes hold and advances under the surface and you don't know it's there til it breaks out. No idea how far it has spread til surgery.

Long story short, they cut a big piece out of her leg and got it all. Saved the leg and no chemo is necessary. After a couple months she's walking without a limp and can ride a bike again.

I don't think it was from too much sun exposure, we live in MN and it's only fit to be in shorts a few months a year and she's not really into tanning. It was a real wake up call to watch yourself in the sun though. Cover up everybody and don't worry about your tan.