Sorry it's been so long since I've blogged!!!! Seems as if I have been completely busy just living life to the fullest. Since my last post I have been so consumed with work, family, and training for tough mudder there has been no time for sitting down. Some nights I wouldn't get my workout or runs in until after 9 pm while cooking supper,cleaning up house, washing laundry, juggling bathing two kids and getting homework done. After four months of training, this past saturday me and my team of Wildwood Warriors took on the Kentucky Tough Mudder, which I will hopefully sooner than later blog about. Sunday I was pretty sore and bruised up so I soaked a while in hot water to loosen my joints a bit before heading to church. After church we packed our things and was on our 5 hour drive to Nashville TN.
My appointment was at 11:30 am Monday October 22, 2012 with Dr. E at Vandy's Melanoma Clinic. Dr. E is specialized specifically in Melanoma genetic mutations and is also a boards certified Dermatologist and Internal Medicine Dr. It was time for my three month full body exam...and for those who have never had this done, let me just say it's more in depth than a gynecologic pelvic exam. Keep in mind that Melanoma can literally grow any where, so Dr. E thoroughly checks the vaginal, anal, and oral areas very well! First the Resident came in to get a good medical history by asking questions and asked if I've noticed any new lesions on my skin. Then the resident began the full body exam starting at the top of my head to the tips of my toes. She was pretty shocked to see all the bruises on my body, which I told her I earned at the Tough Mudder on Sat hehe. After the resident examined me, then Dr. E came in to do a more thorough examination. He gave me a high five for surviving tough mudder. He said he has a nephew that completed it in the summer and whined for months about how hard it was, so he was impressed I survived without any injuries. Dr. E first examined my scalp, using a hair dryer to move the hair away from the skin. He also palpated my abdomen and lymph nodes. If he see's any unusual lesions, he then evaluates them using a dermascope. He took pictures and measurements of two new skin lesions that he want's to "watch" for changes and decided to biopsy a new skin lesion on the back of my left thigh that had characteristics worrisome for melanoma. After Dr. E took pictures of the skin lesion he was getting ready to biopsy he explained to me that this lesion has a hypo pigmentation around it like a halo and the lesion itself appears to have a lot of blood vessels. I told him the lesion really wasn't bothering me but he insisted I needed to have a punch biopsy just to make sure it's not another melanoma or dysplastic lesion.
During the biopsy, I had to lay on my belly while the nurse prepped the back of my thigh. Next the resident injected a needle around and in the lesion with lidocaine to numb the area, which feels like a little bee sting. It's really not too bad and definitely not as painful as lymphoscintigraphy injections! During the punch biopsy my Dr uses an apple core'er like device that he presses over the lesion and then twists back and forth until the lesion and some tissue around the lesion is removed. This tissue was then sent to pathology and my incision was sutured up. Dr. E said he would call me next Monday to give me the results. Here is a pic of my little biopsy flesh wound:
Thankfully My Dr. called me yesterday with Fantastic News!!!! My biopsy pathology was negative for Melanoma!!! He said "Completely Benign"!!! Can I get a Whoop Whoop?!!!! This was what he called a halo nevus which he said can mimic melanoma due to the hypo pigmentation around the lesion. This is the first time I've ever had a biopsy come back completely negative. I've had over 20 biopsies and every one was either dysplastic or melanoma which required further treatment/surgery. I just want to thank you all for your prayers, your support, and all your love! Melanoma may be a thorn in my side but Jesus' power is made perfect in my weakness! Please take the time to check your skin, check your kids skin, and check your loved ones skin for any unusual areas. If it itches, flakes, or bleeds get it biopsied ASAP!!!! Even though the weather is starting to turn cold please be safe on those cold sunny days as you can still get a sunburn. Always remember to share the love and spread the lotion! Much love and God bless each of you!!!
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