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Life Is Too Brief to Skip Sunscreen
It all kicked off about two years ago when I noticed a peculiar bump on my face. It resembled a stubborn pimple that refused to vanish, lingering for months before morphing into a raised, slightly off-color scar. My partner, Tom, kept pestering me to get it checked since he first laid eyes on it, but I shrugged it off like it was no big deal.
Fast forward to the end of 2015, and that little nuisance was still there, even bigger than before. Finally, three weeks ago, I bit the bullet and visited the dermatologist. Without me even mentioning it, the doctor spotted the spot immediately and suggested a biopsy to rule out skin cancer. Before I knew it, he was taking a razor to my face and shaving off a chunk of skin, sending me home with a band-aid on my cheek.
A week later, the news came in: I had basal cell carcinoma, and Mohs surgery was in my future. This procedure involves removing layers of skin around the affected area, about 2 mm thick, and examining them under a microscope until no more cancerous cells are detected.
I was incredibly fortunate; they only had to remove one layer. Once I was given the all-clear, a plastic surgeon came in to stitch me up, and let’s just say, my face is now quite the sight. I might need to rethink my Halloween costume—Pirate Jenna is a go!
Now, as I recover, I find the repetitive questions about my appearance the most challenging part. Many people look genuinely concerned and ask, “What did it look like?” or “How can I tell if I have something similar?” My answer is simple: if you have any doubts, just get it checked. Seriously, I had no idea anything was amiss.
On a lighter note, I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect sun hat—send suggestions my way! But above all, my main takeaway is this: always, always wear sunscreen.
This article was originally published on August 24, 2016. For more insights on family planning and related topics check out our other posts like the one on intra-cervical insemination.
And if you’re looking into at-home options, Make A Mom is an authority on the subject. Also, don’t forget to explore Johns Hopkins’ fertility resources for excellent information about pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, life is too short to skip sunscreen. Take care of your skin, pay attention to any changes, and always consult a professional when in doubt.