Here at SPF, we have a history with skin cancer, skin diseases and disorders. SPF was founded on finding a solution to help with the daily struggles of coping with sun exposure, including skin cancer. All the staff at SPF agrees that sharing stories, raising awareness, and engaging in dialog, is the best form of education in the prevention and treatment of skin cancer, lupus, skin diseases and disorders. It allows those who deal with skin ailments to share their personal experience, offer advice, and most of all provide some comfort in knowing that you're not alone! So, we've started a new series called "From the Heart", and we're pleased to feature such a vibrant survivor of skin cancer and lupus.
SPF Presents our new
"From the Heart" Interview Series
Featuring Joan Penfold, - Skin Cancer & Lupus Survivor -
Q: Would you tell our readers a little bit about yourself?
A: I am a 50 year old Mom with 2 grown kids and a great husband (most
days anyway!) We also have our 4 legged friend Freddi, a big eyed Basset. About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with Lupus and Fibromyalgia. I went with my
husband to his check and knew I had an area on my back that concerned me.It
had started as a regular looking mole, but had became darker, raised, changed
size, looked suscpicious and started to itch.
Q: You are a skin cancer survivor, let’s talk about your
experience. When were you diagnosed? What symptoms made you finally decide it
was time to see a doctor?
A: At this point I made the decision. It was convenient, as I would
be there with my husband anyway, so I set up the appointment to see the
dermatologist/anesthesiologist. Of course, when you start thinking of
areas of concern, more and more come in to your mind. I recommend you start
writing a diary so you have a list of the spots. I started with the dime sized
area in the middle of my back, that spot was taken out and was dime sized, not round and raised. It was removed along with several other areas, I had another small area removed from my face and left temple. From there, another appointment was made to come back a week later. When I returned for my follow up in a week, the doctor came in
the room, and sat down next to me, my heart started racing. First he said I had
a basal cell carcinoma on my left temple and on my face, but that was all taken care
of and nothing to worry back. Next, he got a serious look on his face, and said
I had a large quarter-sized Malignant Melanoma on my back, and that was the
worst kind to get. I really had to keep track of my skin, and in the meantime,
they did not get all the margins. The pathologist informed me he needed
to take more off. He numbed the area and removed the so-called margins and the
pathologist had to look again. More skin cancer areas were removed one last time, and finally they let me know they had gotten it all. Ahh, I breathed a sigh of relief, as my father
had many skin cancers, and I recall his nose was half cut off. I did not
take care of my skin until then, but I do now!
