Fighting Against Malignant Melanoma

by Stephanie
(Bloomington, IN, USA)

As a teenager I always loved to go to the tanning salon. All of the popular girls in my school did it and I did too. I wanted to fit in and look just as good as they did.

While I did succeed in becoming popular myself and having a great school life the long-term effects on my habits have been way more than I have bargained for.

In 2007 I was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma due to my use of tanning beds. When I heard the news from my dermatologist I was devastated.

I was the type of person who thought cancer was something I could never get. I was young, healthy, on a great diet and exercised at least three times a week.

Sadly, though, Skin Cancer does not care about these things.

The only option I had for treating my malignant melanoma condition was to undergo chemotherapy. I was so scared but I knew this was my only option.

During my chemotherapy treatments I lost my entire hair, lost a great deal of weight, and generally felt bad. I had lost a great sense of myself.

The woman whom had worked so hard to make herself beautiful was no more. I felt like I was slowly turning into nothing. This fight against malignant melanoma was horrifying.

I was put on antidepressants because I was having suicidal thoughts. I was devastated and my family was worried about me.

After a year or so, the doctors told me I was "OK" and that I could get off chemo. Somehow I had survived. I was relieved but also very weak.

They told me that even though the cancer had been treated that there was a chance there would be a recurrence in the future.

I really just want to let everyone who uses tanning beds that they are dangerous. My tanning bed usage is what led to me getting Skin Cancer Melanoma.

Melanoma Skin Cancer

Malignant Melanoma Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Melanoma

Skin Cancer Moles