My Skin Cancer Story - Wendy

Hi, I’m Wendy, Surgical coordinator at Doctor’s Approach Dermatology and I have been diagnosed with skin cancer.
I was a sun worshiper for years, using all the classic things that I hear so many patients tell me every day, things like baby oil, iodine, sunlamps and of course tanning beds.
And who hasn’t heard “A good burn turns into a great tan?”
Back then sunscreen was really only used when your family went to the beach for the day. Mom would be sure to slather it on but usually only once. We would be too busy playing in the sun and often didn’t even realize we were burned until we got home.
We didn’t have video games, computers or cellphones, so we played outside, usually from morning until the street lights came on.
So with all this knowledge I have now I knew it would be a miracle if I wasn’t diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in my life.
Recently I had my very first full body exam and four lesions were required to be removed. About two weeks later the doctor came into my office and said “I have a positive pathology report to talk to you about”, because of my position at Doctor’s Approach this was not unusual. However, this time I was the patient.
Just the word carcinoma is scary, but then to be told I had two Basal Cell Carcinomas and two atypical lesions…WOW, that was a difficult surprise to process.
We took immediate action and had all four lesions completely removed. The margins are clear now, and so is my outdoor routine.
Now I will be using sunscreen, reapplying every 3-4 hours, plus wearing sun protective clothing. I know I can’t reverse the damage I caused to my skin years ago, but I will be sure to change my future.
I am Wendy, Surgical Coordinator at Doctor’s Approach Dermatology, and I have been diagnosed with skin cancer.