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Tracy CallahanAmerican nurse with melanoma
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Tracy Callahan: A Nurse's Battle with Melanoma
- A Shocking Diagnosis
- Statistics and Risk
- Recurrence and Resilience
- A Hole in Her Face
- Prevention and Awareness
- The Polka Dot Mama Melanoma Foundation
- Melanoma: Understanding and Treatment
Tracy Callahan: A Nurse's Battle with Melanoma
Sun-Damaged InnocenceTracy Callahan, a 38-year-old nurse from Cary, North Carolina, discovered a small mole on her neck five years ago. Despite her reluctance, her husband urged her to see a doctor. After dismissing a physician's visit initially, she was referred to a dermatologist four months later.
A Shocking Diagnosis
The dermatologist was concerned about the mole and ordered a biopsy. Soon after, Tracy received a call explaining the urgency for its removal. The mother of two was diagnosed with melanoma, a malignant skin cancer. "He said he had good news," Tracy recalls. "He said I have melanoma." Initially bewildered, she realized the "good news" was that her melanoma was caught early.
Statistics and Risk
Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, has an estimated 98% five-year survival rate when diagnosed and treated early. The American Cancer Society estimates that 91,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with melanoma in 2018. A 75% increased risk of melanoma is associated with the use of tanning beds.
Recurrence and Resilience
Despite the initial surgery, Tracy's battle with melanoma continued. Over five years, it returned three times. She underwent multiple surgeries, including 15 stitches on her neck after the first diagnosis, 64 stitches and a large skin flap after a second recurrence on her ankle, and an excision on her hand.
A Hole in Her Face
In November 2017, a cancerous spot appeared on Tracy's left cheek. "My dermatologist looked at me and said, 'What's on your face?' and I said, 'Oh God, please don't tell me... Anywhere but my face.' And of course, it was melanoma." She underwent Mohs surgery, where thin layers of cancerous tissue are removed until no more cancer is found. "There was a ping-pong ball-sized hole in the side of my face before they could close me up," Tracy says, describing the emotional toll of that recovery.
Prevention and Awareness
Since her first diagnosis, Tracy has undergone ten surgeries. She has sworn off facial surgeries for fear of disfigurement. She advocates for sun protection by wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, sun-safe clothing, and daily application of sunscreen. "It's not just that one time you go to the beach," she warns. "It's the sneaky little exposures. It's that 10-minute walk to your mailbox. That's ten minutes today, ten minutes tomorrow, and pretty soon you've had twenty minutes of sun exposure."
The Polka Dot Mama Melanoma Foundation
Tracy founded the Polka Dot Mama Melanoma Foundation. Through her blog, she shares her experiences and raises awareness about skin cancer. "I don't want anyone to have to go through what I've gone through," she says. "I hope people read my story and think, 'Oh my gosh, I need to get my skin checked.' It could potentially save your life."
Melanoma: Understanding and Treatment
Melanoma develops when DNA damage occurs in skin cells, usually due to excessive UV exposure. Mutations can then lead to the growth of a cancerous tumor.
The American Cancer Society estimates that melanoma will affect over 91,000 Americans in 2018, with an expected increase of 9,000 cases this year. UV rays and tanning beds are detrimental to skin health. A higher number of moles increases the risk of melanoma. Fair skin, blonde or red hair, and a history of sunburns or a family history of melanoma also increase the risk.
Surgical removal remains the primary treatment for melanoma. The surgeon may either excise the entire affected area or perform a staged Mohs micrographic surgery to determine the margins of the cancer more accurately.
Skin grafts can be used if surgery results in significant scarring or disfigurement. Immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy may also be employed if melanoma has progressed to stage III or IV, when cancer cells have spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
Prevention involves using sun protection and avoiding sunburn, tanning, and tanning beds. Applying sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure is crucial. Monthly skin self-examinations and annual full-skin exams by a healthcare professional are also recommended.
