Dear Melanoma Patient (past, present and future),
I would like to start this letter by saying I’m sorry. I’m sorry this letter is to you. I’m sorry that even though you wore your sun protective clothes, avoided the hottest parts of day, sought shade and wore sunscreen, you still got Melanoma. I’m sorry nobody told you to get your skin checked at least once a year. I’m sorry you didn’t know UV damage puts you at risk for Melanoma. No matter what the circumstances, I’m sorry Melanoma picked you. I’m sorry this letter is to you.
As the skin expert you trust to take care of your skin, I want you to know a few things.
Your opinion matters. Sure I went to school for over half my life time and I know the science behind your Melanoma. I know what the governing bodies say about treating your Melanoma. I know the statistics on Melanoma. But I also know you are a person, a unique person. What treatments your body undergoes I want us to choose together. I value your opinion because, above all else, you know what your preferred options are. I will give you those options and my opinion but lets make your treatment plan together.
You are at risk. Once you’ve had a Melanoma you’re at risk for another Melanoma. You can’t change your skin type. You can’t change your genetics. You can’t change your past habits. You CAN change your future habits. Be sun smart. Seek shade. Wear your sun protective clothing. Wear your sunscreen liberally and reapply often. UV damage is the only risk factor for skin cancer that you have control over. Take control of caring for your skin. Get your skin checked. Be friends with a dermatologist and visit them as often as they ask and whenever you have new or changing moles in between visits. Rely on your dermatologist.
Your testimony is important. I have spent a lot of time studying skin and feel that I am an expert in caring for skin. The problem is that sometimes I get as little as 15 minutes of a year with my patients. I try to educate them on the importance of taking care of the largest organ in their body (skin) but you have an incredible power. You have a testimony to which people can relate. People believe you. People will learn from you. People will change because of you. Please help me save skin. Use your testimony to change people’s lives, to save their skin. What you have learned from your Melanoma, how you feel, what it’s like, how you’re scared, how you fight, what scars you have endured. Share them with the world so everyone can know the truth about Melanoma.
I am here for you. I’m proud of you for being a survivor. Let me help you anyway I can. I know you are scared, nervous, confused and that I can’t understand how you feel but please let me know what I can do for you. Let me check your skin all over. Come see me when I ask you to get your skin checks and anytime that you need me in between checks. I have dedicated my career to caring for skin so please don’t stay away too long. I am honored to continue to care for your skin and I vow to always do my best to keep you and your skin healthy. Take care, you are beautiful!
With encouraging words,
Your Dermatologist, Nurse Practitioner and/or Physicians Assistant
