{"id":8511,"date":"2024-09-24T20:27:23","date_gmt":"2024-09-24T20:27:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/?p=8511"},"modified":"2024-09-26T20:08:28","modified_gmt":"2024-09-26T20:08:28","slug":"melissas-battle-against-chronic-skin-cancer-it-keeps-coming-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/melissas-battle-against-chronic-skin-cancer-it-keeps-coming-back\/","title":{"rendered":"Melissa\u2019s Battle Against Chronic Skin Cancer: \u201cIt Keeps Coming Back.\u201d","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Since 2010, when she was diagnosed with Stage I melanoma<\/a>, Melissa Garrett has been fighting a grueling battle against chronic skin cancer, including a second melanoma in 2021, and so many basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) that she has lost track. \u201cI have just been plagued with skin cancer<\/a>,\u201d she told us.<\/h4>\n

Melissa\u2019s battle continues to this day and has strengthened her in many ways. It all began with a visit to the dermatologist for a skin rash.<\/p>\n

A 37th<\/sup> Birthday Surprise<\/strong><\/h3>\n

During the appointment, Melissa\u2019s dermatologist biopsied a small, dark mole on the left side of her back, below her shoulder blade. At the time, Melissa was not concerned. But one week before Melissa turned 37, her dermatologist called to tell her that she had melanoma<\/a>, a dangerous type of skin cancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeedless to say, my family and I were shocked,\u201d explained Melissa. \u201cAnd so was my doctor. I am part Cherokee Indian, with dark hair, an olive complexion and no family history of melanoma.\u201d<\/p>\n

Melissa was referred to a surgical oncologist who performed excisional surgery to remove the 6mm tumor. She was relieved when her pathology confirmed an early Stage I melanoma that had not spread. No further treatment was required, but Melissa would need to get her skin examined<\/a> by a dermatologist regularly and get serious about sun protection.<\/p>\n

She thought that the worst was over, when in fact it had just begun.<\/p>\n

Skin Cancer Fireworks <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Within a year of her melanoma diagnosis, the basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) began appearing on her skin in rapid succession. Since then, Melissa has faced an onslaught of skin cancers and precancers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy surgeon told me that the first melanoma could set off a fireworks of skin cancers, since having one increases my risk for more. He was right. Every time I go to the dermatologist, something gets biopsied. I\u2019ve lost count of how many basal cells I\u2019ve had.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It’s important to note that when skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays<\/a> from the sun or from tanning beds<\/a>, it causes DNA damage in skin cells. If repair processes in those cells don\u2019t fix all this genetic damage, it can produce mutations that lead to skin cancer. Having multiple skin cancers<\/a> could be a result of extensive sun damage, or a compromised immune system, or genetic factors, or because the person\u2019s skin doesn\u2019t repair its DNA damage as well as it should \u2014 or all the above.<\/p>\n

Melissa says that her skin cancer surgeries have been too numerous to track; the most recent was in July 2024 for a BCC on her right leg, and another BCC and pre-melanoma on her upper back.<\/p>\n

The majority of Melissa\u2019s skin cancers have been BCCs, the world\u2019s most common type of skin cancer. When caught early, BCCs are less challenging to treat and cure. But when faced with the fireworks of skin cancers that Melissa has endured \u2013 on her arms, legs, shoulders, upper back and head \u2013 the journey has been quite a challenge. \u201cIt keeps coming back in different places,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

In addition to chronic skin cancer, Melissa has other health challenges, including a rare heart condition that requires her to have a pacemaker.<\/p>\n

A Second Melanoma at Age 48<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Melanoma

Melanoma before and after surgery. Photos: Melissa Garrett<\/p><\/div>\n

In between her quarterly dermatologist appointments, Melissa diligently checks her skin<\/a>.<\/p>\n

During a self-check in 2021, Melissa spotted a small mole on her leg that had a tiny black dot within it. A biopsy confirmed another early melanoma. She was devastated but grateful that it was detected and treated early.<\/p>\n

In the aftermath of her second melanoma surgery, Melissa was left with a seven-inch scar on her leg, and mounting anxiety about her skin health.<\/p>\n

\u201c I beat melanoma once; it came back, and I beat it again. I\u2019d like to think I beat the odds. But I worry that it will come back.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Skin Cancer Education and Advocacy <\/strong><\/h3>\n

While navigating her heart health and skin health, Melissa has learned to be her own best advocate.<\/p>\n

Early in her journey, Melissa\u2019s doctor pointed her to SkinCancer.org<\/a> as an educational resource. \u201cThe Skin Cancer Foundation\u2019s website is a great source of information, especially for someone battling multiple types of skin cancer,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

As a skin cancer warrior<\/a>, Melissa knows firsthand that patients interacting with busy doctors may have a difficult time advocating for themselves. \u201cYou need to educate yourself, know the terminology and treatments,\u201d she explained. \u201cI\u2019ve learned a lot about melanoma, the stages and Breslow depth. It\u2019s been very helpful during this journey.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finding a Care Team Who Cares<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Throughout her journey, Melissa has assembled a team that she trusts for monitoring and treatment, including a dermatologist, an oncologist\/hematologist and a Mohs surgeon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

She has undergone a laundry list of treatments, including excisional surgeries, cryosurgery, curettage and electrodesiccation<\/a>, Mohs surgery<\/a> and topical chemotherap<\/a>y.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing able to connect with doctors, knowing that they care, they understand my case and will work with me on treatment options is important,\u201d she explained. \u201cI\u2019m not just a number being rushed out the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

Skin Cancer Is Serious<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Melissa joined a cancer support group to help her during her battle. The group has been helpful and she\u2019s met some great friends. But Melissa also discovered that most people don\u2019t understand the dangers of skin cancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had people tell me \u2018It\u2019s just skin cancer, it\u2019s no big deal<\/em>,\u2019\u201d she said. \u201cAnd that\u2019s just a huge misnomer. People don\u2019t know how serious skin cancers<\/a> like BCC can be or how fast melanoma can take you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embracing Skin Health and Sun Safety<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Melissa\u2019s

Melissa\u2019s most recent big catch Photo: Melissa Garrett<\/p><\/div>\n

Melissa lives on the coast of North Carolina, just a few miles from the beach.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love being on the beach, I love boating and fishing,\u201d Melissa said. \u201cThere\u2019s just a calmness and serenity being out on the water.\u201d<\/p>\n

Understanding the dangers that UV rays pose to her skin health, Melissa has learned to enjoy the outdoors while being sun safe<\/a>. She spends less time in direct sunlight in the middle of the day, seeks shade, uses sunscreen<\/a>, sun protective clothing<\/a>, hats or headscarves.<\/p>\n

\u201cSkin cancer prevention is another area where the Foundation\u2019s resources have been phenomenal,\u201d Melissa said. \u201cI am incredibly conscientious when it comes to sun protection, I look at the recommended products<\/a> and evaluate them carefully.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her best advice to other warriors and survivors?<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, early detection and sun protection is so important. But most of all, I try to always have something to look forward to! That is also important.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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