Tuesday, January 20, 2009

The "C" Word

Last month I found out I have skin cancer.

Dude, that sucks.

Yep, that's all I've got. Dude, that sucks.

I've thought a lot about putting it on the blog. This is a place for happy, smiling pictures and the occasional mocking of Rachael Ray. Not cancer, right?

But I thought about you, Friendternets. And how maybe you'll be a little more likely to not get that "healthy glow" (which, let's face it, I never had) or put on your sunscreen. Maybe after reading this you'll look a little closer at that weird freckle/mole you have. And just get it checked out. NOW.

Because...

...dude, that totally sucks.

Information on skin cancer detection and prevention here.

18 comments:

Unknown said...

Totally cute Mr. Darcy/Kate picture and so in the theme of my current reading of Jane Austen. Sorry to hear that you had skin cancer. I'm hoping that's correct - that you had and don't still have a cancerous spot or spots. I'm always checking because my dad has had way too many spots removed for me to even keep track. You and I are cursed with the kind of skin that never benefits from the sun! Poor things! We're going on a cruise the first week in February and I'm not even pretending to be able to go with a tan or get a tan. I'm going pale and pasty and returning the same way. Oh well. Best wishes for no more cancer!!

Crystal said...

Cheyenne thinks I'm totally overreacting when I tell kids at the pool to put their sunscreen on. Really...I'm totally panicked about it. One time at the Meuse Forest pool I was telling Cheyenne he was going to get skin cancer because he didn't put sun screen on and this kid who was maybe 8 was eavesdropping and was like, "I didn't put sunscreen on." So I turned to him totally straight faced and frank and said, "You're going to die of skin cancer." Am I sorry I said it? No.

I think it's great you shared this with us. It's important people know. Did you know it's something like the number 1 killer of people between ages 20 and 30? (I heard that once, but don't quote me or anything.)

Good luck with whatever your treatment is, be it a mole removal or whatever.

And wait...this blog is for mocking rachael ray? somebody's been slacking. XD

Lisa said...

Dude. That sucks! I'm glad you told us. It runs in my family . . . so I definitely need to be careful. Keep us posted on how you're doing, okay? Love to you!!!

Kylene said...

Wow, Harmony that does really suck. I hope you are able to get early treatment and beat it before it spreads. This is something that I have worried about for a long time, but whenever I ask my doctors, they always tell me that weird things happen to your skin when you're pregnant. Well I have been pregnant a lot, so I have a lot of weird things! Time to see a dermatologist! Thank you for sharing and giving me that push.

sheena said...

Oh Harmony I am so so sorry. That really does suck, dude.

And I do think it's important you share--it can happen to anyone and sometimes we all need a reminder. Keep us posted on how you are doing:)

Amanda said...

So is it a removable area? Or is this something super serious? I'm sure I'm doomed to it some day. I spent far too much time in the sun trying to out tan all my friends as a kid.

Emily said...

Dude, that totally sucks! Hope you are doing okay. I'm glad you're back to blogging:)

Marianne said...

Skin cancer? What kind? I had a basal cell carcinoma on my face by my nose two years ago.

It's not just 'whiteys' that get skin cancer. Us 'mixees' get them too. I even make my 'darkey' put on sunscreen.

Let this be a lesson to all of you friendternets.

Des said...

Wow, that does not sound fun. Man, I am always so paranoid about stuff like that. So whats the outlook for you? Meaning what is the plan of action to take care of this "c" word that DOES totally suck!! I am sorry for your news. What a bummer when your living in sunny Hawaii.

I am in a little state of shock. Here are all these beautiful pictures and then mid way though...the bombshell.

Your in my thoughts:(

Budget Mama said...

*hugs* keeping you and your family in my thoughts. My mom was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma in her early 20's and thankfully has been cancer-free for over 30 years now, and I wish the same for you.

Sarah said...

Holy macaroni that sucks. I don't even know what to say. I just keep saying, "Man, that sucks" over and over in my head. We love you, you're in our prayers, and give us details now what kind of funeral you want, so if we need to think up dirty jokes for your eulogy, we'll be ready.

Sharon said...

Oh man that does suck. You know you should put a picture your your's for an example if it's not too personal. Maybe that is. But so far the picture I see in text books about skin cancer. My mom had a little on her and my father in law has had a few remooved, 2 big ones. I'm sorry that is a bummer.
p.s. I'm glad to hear about anything about your life, sad or happy.

Kerry said...

Are you joking? Where? Did they remove it or do you have to have more invasive treatment? You are the whitest white girl I know too! Scary. I'm going to get that spot on my arm checked, I promise! Thinking of you. Keep me updated. We miss you guys!

Monique said...

Huh? How did you slip this one past us? I'm so sorry, so what are you going to do about it all? Did they take off the skin cancer, or will they have to do more?? You are sneaky you know. I hope and pray everything goes okay with you!

The Galan Family said...

so, are you okay? You can't just say you have skin cancer and then leave it at that. Are you having moles etc. removed? I had a mole a couple years ago that got all weird-shaped and discolored that was pre-cancerous after they did a biopsy. Kinda scary. Anyway, what do you have to do?

Monique said...

What is your middle name anyway? :)

Linds said...

That would be my elaborate reaction too, Harmony. That sucks. Skin cancer is one of my worst fears personally. There's a family history of cancer on my side and my kids are just so white I make them put on a butt load of lotion before the go out and sometimes they still turn pink (bummer.) I'm gonna go make my husband go get his weird moles checked now.

Unknown said...

Hi Harmony,
I know that I don't know you but I am friends with Crystal. I have been battling cancer for 2 years now. Big key to the "C" word, is never let it get in the way of your normalcy. I also sympathize with the skin cancer. My father passed away from Melanoma, though his was insurpassable when they found it. I have stage 4 Colon. Just know my thoughts are with you and if you need to talk or want some friendly advice just ask.
Angelina

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