This morning I went to the dermatologist to have a mole removed from my thigh. It had been a few years (at least since Mazen was born) since I went in for a skin check – no good! Remember: you’re supposed to go once a year. I had a mole that looked like it had darkened and grown, although it was hard to tell, so I had my doctor look at it. Sure enough, she said it was probably safest to have it removed. I opted to have 3 more cosmetic ones shaved off at the same time. (Had I known the shots would hurt that much I don’t know if I would have done so many! But now that I’m home and recovered, I’m glad I did.)
Needles: DISLIKE.
I have two stitches in my leg and can’t swim in lakes, rivers or oceans for two weeks. But I’d rather be safe than sorry. Hopefully, the mole was just an evolving one and nothing serious.
I have quite a few friends who have already had skin cancer removed in their 30’s though, so please remember to go get checked!
I had the above yogurt, blueberries and quinoa granola bowl for breakfast (appetite was low from nerves!) and a Coco Verde smoothie from The Juice Laundry for lunch. Shout out to Elise!!
I have soccer tonight, so I’ll be needing a big snack soon!
And finally, his hair has been CUT!
(Look at that cute worried face!)
I liked it long! Mr Green:
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Thanks for reminding everyone! I go every year, and always bug my friends to go too. It’s so important!
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
I also go every year. Such an important checkup!
Danielle says
Good message, Kath! I had cancerous moles removed in my 20s! The first time I went to the dermatologist, too and now I have to go twice a year for checkups! Like you, I’m fair too and I’m covered with moles so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them. I never had any shots for mine though, I’m curious about that? Maybe it’s the “punch” method? If I can give you one tip, make sure to put something on the incision as it heals – unfortunately I have (tiny!) scars in each place where one was removed.
KathEats says
Yikes! Just the numbing shots!
Elise says
Jus stopping by to say that I liked this post! It was short but felt authentic and like a snapshot into your life. It had the same tone as your old days. Please do more like this!
Jeanie says
Looks like it might hurt to sit where you had the mole removed from the back of your leg. Hope not. I like Mazen’s hair long, too, but he’s adorable no matter how his hair is.
Amy says
Thanks for reminding everyone to get their skin checked. I’ve had multiple moles removed in the past and just recently had a skin cancer removed. It irritates me when people aren’t serious about sunblock and skin health. I’m only 34 and you don’t realize that skin cancer can happen to anyone at any time.
Jenny says
Thank you so much for sharing and helping spread awareness!! I was diagnosed last fall with melanoma stage 1a at age 32 and like you I was a bit behind on my skin check due to being a busy mom to a toddler. Thank goodness I did get checked! A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in her 40s. She has two young kids and although she is currently in remission thanks to new immunotherapy treatments her overall prognosis sadly is very poor. My skin check made all the difference in the world 97% survival vs 9%.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Thanks for sharing this on your blog! My friend just had skin cancer removed, and she’s 28! SO important to go regularly!
Erika says
Thanks for the reminder! I really need to be better about that!
Mom says
I had a mess of moles clipped/shaved off years ago and have always wondered if she couldn’t have taken them off with less pain than the shot caused. But well worth doing.
Amanda cowan says
We are reminding everyone too. My hubby just had a cancerous one removed. But another serious reminded is to watch your kids for miles. My derm was quick to point out that kids get skin cancer too!
Amanda cowan says
Ugh! I’m on my phone. That is supposed to say ‘reminder’ and ‘moles’
Audrey says
Just made my appointment! Thanks for the little push!
Linda @ The Fitty says
Oh no. What will you do for showers, kath?
KathEats says
I can shower no problem!