So after I was diagnosed, I found out that skin cancer somewhat ran in my family. Both of my grandfathers had some form of a skin condition that required surgery, but that is the extent of what we know. They are both deceased now so I can't ask them the details and both of my parents were to young at the time to really know anything about it. I am the only other person who has had melanoma in my family up until now.
My aunt noticed that she had some new moles on her arms a couple months ago. She said she wouldn't have thought anything of them if it wasn't for me, which is good. She had them both biopsied and one came back precancerous and the other came back melanoma. I have no idea what any of the details are and she doesn't remember, but she says the doctor said the margins are clear and she shouldn't have to worry about it. OK, good. Well, fast forward to a couple weeks ago and she has new growths near the old site. I told her she needs to get in right away and have them checked out, but she insists on waiting until her next appointment with her primary care physician in a couple weeks and have her refer her back to the dermatologist. I told her she can go straight to the dermatologist without a referral, but she would rather wait. I also found out that her dermatologist is the same one that told me my mole was nothing to worry about. Grrr! I've explained to the best of my ability about how important it is for her to move quickly and to maybe get a second opinion, but she is a stubborn old woman.
The only thing I can do now is hope that she gets in on time.
April
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