As a nurse, I thought I knew pretty much everything there is to know about skin cancer. I knew the risk factors, the signs and symptoms, and the treatment options.

What I didn’t know, however, is that I would one day be battling this type of cancer myself.

Discovering the Cancer

It all started with a mole on my back. At first, I didn’t think much of it. After all, I had always had a lot of moles on my body and had never really worried about them before. But this mole was different.

It was larger than usual and had started to bleed a little bit. I knew this wasn’t normal, so I made an appointment to see my doctor.

At the appointment, my doctor took a look at the mole and decided to do a biopsy. A few days later, I received the news that no one ever wants to hear – the mole was cancerous.

The Treatment Plan

I was referred to an oncologist who specialized in skin cancer. The first step was surgery to remove the mole, along with a piece of tissue around it to make sure all the cancer cells were removed.

I also had a lymph node biopsy to make sure the cancer hadn’t spread beyond the mole.

Thankfully, the biopsy results came back clear. However, my oncologist recommended additional treatment to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. I underwent a course of radiation therapy, which lasted for several weeks.

The Impact on my Life

Going through treatment for skin cancer was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. The surgery left me with a large scar on my back, and the radiation therapy made me very tired and sore.

The emotional impact was also significant – I found myself constantly worrying that the cancer would return.

But through it all, I was able to keep working as a nurse. In fact, my experience with skin cancer gave me an even greater appreciation for the work that we do in healthcare.

I was touched by the compassion and care shown to me by my doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, and it made me even more committed to providing the best possible care to my own patients.

The Importance of Sun Safety

One of the biggest lessons I learned through my battle with skin cancer is the importance of sun safety.

I had always been pretty good about wearing sunscreen, but I realized that I had often missed spots and hadn’t been as diligent as I should have been.

Now, I make sure to wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. I also wear protective clothing when I know I’ll be outside for an extended period, and try to stay in the shade when possible.

I also advise all of my patients to take sun safety seriously, and to take steps to protect themselves from harmful UV rays.

The Future

It’s been several years since my skin cancer diagnosis, and I’m happy to say that I’ve remained cancer-free.

But I know that there’s always a risk of the cancer returning, and I continue to see my oncologist regularly for follow-up visits.

My experience with skin cancer has also made me more aware of my own health and more committed to living a healthy lifestyle. I try to eat right, exercise regularly, and take care of my body in every way I can.

Conclusion

My battle with skin cancer was certainly not something I ever expected to face as a nurse. But it’s given me a unique perspective on the importance of early detection, treatment, and prevention.

I’m grateful for the excellent care I received and the lessons I learned, and I hope that my experience can help others stay safe and healthy in the years to come.