13.1

My new goal is to run 13.1 miles. A half marathon. I think I can do it. No, I know I can do it. With proper training anything is possible. I've already bettered my pace by a minute since February, so now I just need to keep going.

Today I passed on the great feeling Megan gave me during the Cherry Blossom 10-miler by cheering on Alex at the Nike Women's Half.

It was inspiring, and I am more motivated than ever before to keep running. I have to make sure I run before 10:00am and after 6:00pm if I am running outside, but there is always the gym, and I have UPF clothing, so I can make sure I am protected if I do run outside. I can do this. And next year, I will be one of those crossing that finish line (if I get in the lottery, which I am assuming I will!).

The Other Problem With A Biopsy

So not only do I have to worry about the results of my biopsy, but I have to take care of the biopsy site for 10 days to 2 weeks post-biopsy. To do so, I have to keep a band-aid on for that whole period of time. The problem with this is that my skin does not like the adhesive in band-aids. And when I say it doesn't like it, I mean I get a rash and my skin itches like crazy. So I've switched to latex free band-aids. The problem is that I started with the regular band-aids, and because I have to keep it covered, there is no time for that rash to go away, and it just keeps itching, even with the right band-aids. So not only do I have to worry about the results of the biopsy, but I get to have an itchy incision site for the next 10 days. Ugh.

Another Mole Bites the Dust

Today I went to the dermatologist and had yet another mole removed. It was an interesting experience given the location of this particular mole, which was on my butt. I got to lay on my stomach while the doctor and his technician did what they had to do.

Not awkward in the slightest.

Actually, it wasn't really that bad. I just tried to keep my mind off of the needle, scalpel, and laser, and ask him the few questions I had. I also mentioned that I am due for my 3 month check-up in May, but that his schedule is booked through June. He said he may as well check me today since I was there, and did the complete check-up, which gives me some peace of mind. He also said that he didn't see a mole that he felt needed to be taken immediately, which is also a sigh of relief. Now I just need to wait for the results of my biopsy, and fingers crossed it will come back normal or atypical but not cancerous.

My dermatologist also said that studies have shown that taking a baby aspirin every day can reduce the chance of getting another melanoma. Before I start an aspirin regimen, I'm going to set up an appointment with my primary care physician for a physical. I haven't had one since before my diagnosis, and I think it's a good idea to get a new baseline. So my plan is to wait for the results of my biopsy, and then set up my appointment. After that I might be taking aspirin, vitamin d, flax seed oil, and a multivitamin very day, in addition to my eye drops. I can't complain too much though, because while this is way more pills than I want to be taking, I recognize the fact that I am extremely lucky when it comes to my diagnosis and that instead of just surgery, I could also have had to deal with chemo and radiation. So, it is what it is, and now I just have to breathe this weekend and not get caught up in stressing over my results. Wish me luck.

Another Survivor, Another Blog

I stumbled across the blog of a young woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I've been following her now for about a month. Even though we have very different stories, I can still relate to some of what she's going through, and I enjoy following her on this journey. She posted something about the Boston Marathon bombings that stuck with me, so I figured I'd repost it here.

http://killerboobies.wordpress.com/2013/04/19/private-marathons/

Crap

Today I glanced down at my scar and noticed a dark spot. It looks like a freckle/mole. Right on my incision. 

Crap. 

Part of me says it's no big deal, moles pop up randomly all over my body, and my pathology report came back clear from surgery, so don't freak out. The other part of me says melanomas can recur in their original location. 

Crap. 

I've already got a biopsy scheduled for next Thursday, so I'll ask my dermatologist about it then. In the meantime, there's not much I can do, so I'm trying to chill out and not stress.

Which me luck.

Reflections on Boston and Running

After the horrible events of yesterday at the Boston Marathon, I had many thoughts running through my head. One of which is that barely a week ago I was running in my own race with over 20,000 people, and security was not anywhere on my radar. The finish line was chaotic, there were tons of people all along the course, and I while I'm sure security was important since hey, I'm in DC, I highly doubt security was super tight. How can it be over a ten-mile course, much less a 26.2 mile course.

I also thought of the beautiful acts of humanity we saw yesterday as spectators helped the injured, as well as the cruelty and callousness that humans often show one another. I wondered if now every race I do I will be worried about the potential of a bomb at the end. Will this diminish my desire to run?

No. I will keep running. I will run for myself, I will run for others who cannot run anymore, I will run because I can. This Sunday, when I put on my running shoes and head out for my long run, I'll be thinking of Boston. I'll be thinking of the London marathon and hoping it's safe. I'll be thinking of those who can't run anymore, especially those who lost their legs on Monday. I'll be thinking about all of the runners around the world who are also putting on their shoes and defiantly going for a run. Because running is something I do for me. Runners are a special breed of people. We are competitive and resilient and strong. This won't keep me down, and it won't keep us down.

Run for Boston.

Leg Update

I meant to post at my 6-month post-surgery update (March 17), oops. Here is what my incision looks like now:

The scars from my stitches should be going away soon, but I doubt the main incision will change much. I still don't have much sensation there, which isn't surprising, but every now and then it does bother me. It also still isn't completely smooth. I need to set up a physical with my primary care physician, so I'll ask her then if I need to see my surgeon prior to my one year check up.

I've also been thinking about "cancer-versaries." Are they supposed to be on the day of diagnosis, the day of surgery, or the day the pathology report comes in? I've seen conflicting articles, so I guess it depends on the person. Mine would either be August 21 (diagnosis) or September 17 (surgery). I guess I'll decide what's best for me as it gets closer.

I also decided not to go to Israel this summer. It was a tough choice, but the right one for me. My health is too important to put at risk for a cheap summer trip. And going to Israel in August as a skin cancer survivor is just plain stupid. So that's that. I've also purchased some UPF-40 running clothes, so hopefully I'll feel better running outside on my morning runs now.

The biggest change/worry for me has been going to and from work. I never used to think about how much sun I'm exposed to while waiting for the bus or walking 6 blocks to work, and post-diagnosis it was winter, so no real need to worry since I was so bundled up. Now that spring is officially here and it's finally getting warm out, I have to worry about sunscreen and sun protection in a way I didn't anticipate. It's been frustrating, but it's something I have to learn to live with.

Running

Last weekend my Dad and Step-mom came to visit and we all ran the Cherry Blossom 10-miler. And when I say "ran," I mean I ran the entire 10 miles. I have to say, I'm pretty proud of myself. I started a training program the first week of February, and I followed it pretty well (minus the track sessions-I hate track). Basically, I ran twice a week at the gym, did the bike for 30 minutes every Saturday, and did my long runs on Sunday with my training group. My goals going into Sunday were to finish, run it all, and do it in less than 2 hours, and I made all three goals. Go me!  I also decided it was smart to sign up for the extension training program and continue to run with my group on Sunday mornings because knowing me, without the structured run, I probably would have stopped running now that I accomplished my goal of the 10-miler. That would be pretty stupid since I've decided I want to run a half marathon at some point, and starting from no training is a lot more difficult than starting from a strong base. Plus, I like the way I feel after a long run. Except for today. Today I felt like crap after my 4.5 miler because I'm sick and my brilliant idea of sweating out the sickness failed miserably. Anyway, my only real fear is having another melanoma pop up and not only screw me over health-wise  but also mess with my training. Fingers crossed my appointment next week goes well and I don't get the dreaded phone call in 2 weeks. If all goes according to plan, I have the color run on May 19th and Sept 22, and I'm going to sign up for the MCM 10k that takes place on Oct 27. Hopefully I can run all of the races I have planned this year. We shall see. As I learned last year, life can take some unexpected twists, and the best I can do is make plans and hope nothing comes along (ahem cancer ahem) to mess it up. Wish me luck!

Me, Meaghan, Dad post-run (it was cold!)

I got my medal!

Memorabilia