New Dermatologist

So..... I have mentioned before my somewhat chilly relationship with the Skin Doctor in my life... (comes with the territory of an ex-sun-baby melanoma patient I suppose) ...to the point of us CO-FIRING each other.  

My lovely Family Doc saved me yet again - I met my new Dermatologist today - right here in Meaford! 

A quick in - and - out in Ambulatory Care with a Derm on a once-monthly visit to Meaford Hospital determined me all-clear of any worrisome skin lesions. Yay that's a great first step!  We had a quick chat about my history, and of my future, of CT scans for monitoring post-clinical-trial, and we agreed to see each other again in six months.  

Sadly, come 2017, after a 15-year stint of monthly trips to Meaford, my new Dermatologist will be seeing patients in the Big Smoke only, so.... I will go see her there!  With my stage of melanoma I have as much chance of having a new melanoma on my skin as I did two (or twenty) years ago; a stage three diagnosis is more likely to re-appear internally than on the surface. But I digress...

I offered her a gift in thanks for checking in on us rural patients, by form of my article in Escarpment Magazine this month.   I explained that I am an aspiring Writer exploring the platform of a topic very dear to me, that of melanoma education and awareness advocacy.  

I flipped to the article in question and to my surprise she said "That's YOU?  Just this weekend we were talking about this article!"  She went on to say how she thought it was great that someone would take the time to write about and share this topic, and we briefly discussed the importance of changing the conversation regarding skin health and tanning etc.  I told her about how I have been sharing my story in the name of trying to help others to avoid a fate such as mine... Save The Skin You're In! 

In my new Dermatologists name I have decided to summarize my advocacy work in one post (to date), and for any new readers, Thank You.  Please feel free to click and share away.....

  

 

 

 

Toronto Blue Jays take on #NotJustSkinCancer

I am still glowing from our experience in Toronto on Saturday.  

Honoured to say:  I was able to represent Save Your Skin Foundation at the Blue Jays game on July 2, 2016, when the participants in the #NotJustSkinCancer video and team were invited to a luxurious ball park afternoon in the Community Clubhouse Suite, courtesy of Jays Care Foundation.  

I was even able to take my family, so the girls and I met my Mom and Grant at the SkyDome (oops sorry Rogers Centre) for a memorable afternoon together, along with the folks from Melanoma Network of Canada.  We have never done anything like that before!  It was AWESOME.

Please click here to read the full scoops and see some photos:

TORONTO BLUE JAYS TAKE ON #NOTJUSTSKINCANCER

Thank you Save Your Skin Foundation for the opportunity to share my story, and thank you to Roche Canada for sharing the #NotJustSkinCancer concept, thanks to the fabulous PR team who have facilitated the whole thing, and of course thank you to the Jays Care Foundation for the day on Saturday!  

 

Meaford Soap Box Derby - July 2, 2016

Several years ago my dear friend and neighbour told me about an ambitious idea she had... a dream to bring a fun event to our beloved town, an event for kids, created and supported by parents and family members... A Soap Box Derby.  

She would invite friends of all ages to build little cars, pass safety inspections, temporarily close a down-grade street in town, race-coast down a hill, and have a heckuva good time on a summer day.  

And here we are... fresh from the celebration of the fifth annual... my friend's fun project:  Meaford Soap Box Derby

The Meaford Soap Box Derby is held annually on Canada Day (or the Saturday closest to Canada Day) in downtown Meaford, with the coordination and support of many community members who share the same passion as my friend does for the fun competitive friendly race of non-motorized vehicles large enough to hold but one small person.  

I have always supported my friends' efforts in this event from afar, typically being away Canada Day weekend (or two years ago being confined to bedrest still recovering from surgery), but I was always home to observe the after-event cleanup and stories.

Every year I noticed that my beloved friends came home from the Meaford Soap Box Derby with sunburns.  Busy day, lots to do, early morning setup until late afternoon takedown, lots of tents for shade but also lots of hours in and out of the sun.  

So.... inspired by some of my melanoma advocacy efforts in the city, I thought perhaps I could "sponsor" the folks at the Meaford Soap Box Derby with a sunscreen/shade/sun-safety tent.  Finally something I could do at home!  I could give back to my community in a small way  - and on the best event of the summer.  AND I could keep my friends from getting sunburns if I was there in person to apply their sunscreen for them! ;-) 

So I did.  

With generous support from Save Your Skin Foundation and the Bluewater Canadian Cancer Society, I was able to participate in the 5th annual Meaford Soap Box Derby - YES!! 

I was there at 7 a.m. for setup, got to witness all the action - fantastic group of volunteers!  Friends rather.. they are a sweet bunch of friends all working toward a fun event for kiddos from all over.  

The sun was warm and bright all morning, there was a gentle breeze keeping everybody cool, but I got a chance to let people know that that is one of the most dangerous kinds of days.  Deceivingly beautiful, but you can end up with a scorcher of a hot epidermis if you're not careful! 

I had a couple hours to share lots of sunscreen with kids and parents who may have forgotten or neglected their Sun Protection Factor.  Many responded with a positive appreciation as yes they did not have it on.  I helped people Slip Slop Slap around the event and was humourously dubbed "the Sunscreen Lady" - it was fun!  

Save Your Skin Foundation had sent me a bunch of bracelets and key chains equipped with UV Index indicating sensors (they change colour in sunlight, reminding you to put on sunscreen) so I was able to give those out, as well as a varied supply of 30+ SPF sunscreen creams, sprays, and sticks.  Many kids were sharing with each other and passing along word that there was a special tent for shade and sunscreen.

  

Unfortunately I had to leave just before 10 a.m. to buzz to Toronto (double-booked silly me damned chemo brain) but before I did I was able to hand off the Sunscreen Lady title to a representative from the Canadian Cancer Society (Bluewater).  I appreciate the support of the Cancer Society on this day - thank you!!!  I owe you one.  You helped me to be in two places at once, and I believe that if even ONE person was saved from a sunburn yesterday then we did our jobs.  

I loved chatting with little ones who were enthusiastic about sun protection, and I LOVED seeing my friends in action at the event they work hard to plan and carry out every year.  

Way to go Meaford Soap Box Derby!  

Thank you for having me.  See you next year!!!

Some more great photos.....  and please feel free to find Meaford Soap Box Derby on Facebook for event info and more fun!  

Great job Mama!!! xoxoxoxoxoo

Escarpment Magazine - Guest Writer, me!

I was thrilled when Escarpment Magazine asked me to write an article for their Summer 2016 issue; about the importance of sun safety and skin health, based on my experience with stage three melanoma.  

An elegant and informative local publication that I have admired for years, Escarpment Magazine covers a collection of local home/garden design, recreation, fashion, real estate, health/wellness, and foodie finds that delight all audiences.  They cover everything in local sporting life such as bicycling, hiking,  and skiing, as well as fashion layouts featuring local models in clothing from shops all across Bruce, Grey, and Simcoe counties.  

Luxurious yet accessible, and 100% LOCAL.  I love it!! 

It is available in our area on stands in grocery stores, news outlets, and at several of their advertisers places of business, as well as subscription by mail.  (In fact I bought a subscription for my Mom so that all year round she can appreciate Georgian Bay Living from her Sarnia and Florida homes) 

It is also available online free of charge.  Please click here to see the article I wrote:

Applying SPF to Your Summer Plans

Thank you Haily, Clay, and everyone at Escarpment Magazine for inviting me to share in your Summer 2016 issue.  I am honoured, as a writer, and as a melanoma survivor.  

Congrats also to Clay and Cara for their upcoming promotions based on Deena's semi-retirement... I smiled ear to ear when I read that in her Editor's Note!  :-) 

 

Column - Meaford Express - Simcoe.com June 2016

Please click below to read my column in The Meaford Express this month.  Thanks!

(Cancer) From a Caregiver's Perspective

"When I was a teenager, I lost my father to a chronic illness with which he suffered for seven years before he passed away. My young adulthood was quite consumed with his condition; he couldn’t walk, speak, or see properly; he had had strokes which left him trapped inside a body that was no longer his own. He must have felt absolutely tortured every single day with his limitations.

I did not understand then as fully as I do now how he felt..."

The mid-June Rush

Been a crazy week around here. Again. Still LOL (do I sound like a broken record?)  

Quick run-down: 

I turned 40 this week!  Yahoo!  I am very happy about this, for a couple of reasons... I was SO ready to ditch my roller-coaster tumultuous 30's, and... when diagnosed with stage 3 cancer at 37 there was a while that I feared I would never see the age of 40.  

To say I am thankful to be forty is an understatement, but I am. Thankful!  Have had a low-key week or so of celebrations, no big party this year, will save that for another time.  But did get to spend time with a bunch of my Besties over various lunch dates and quick visits, and can even say I am stretching it til tomorrow when I visit another.  The theme of my birthday this year is like this:

Wednesday evening we had our bicycle-riding photo shoot for the local magazine in which I will be published in the Summer 2016 issue.  Was nice to get back on my bike... might make that a habit.  I would say it is NOT true what they say: just like riding a bike, you never forget how.  That is BS - as I almost crashed in to Claire a couple times at Beautiful Joe Park!

I have been working diligently on taking photos for the upcoming "Melanoma Through My Lens" project, more information to come.  Yesterday I was even up at dawn to take photos at the harbour... I love our beautiful town.  

All things grade-8-related are in full explosive swing; grad dresses are purchased and are at the seamstress' for alterations.  Photo session is booked, homework is done, and report cards are on way.  Bus schedule and class details are en route from new high school in Owen Sound eek!  

Next week WE go to Ottawa for a three day adventure, I am excited to be a parent chaperone!  

I have two articles to write before we leave for Ottawa (oops I was late for the Meaford Express last week, but we did have great coverage for Mudmoiselle so it worked out that "I" didn't overload the paper anyway ;-)  

 

Speaking of Mudmoiselle... yesterday I accompanied Jen from the Bluewater Canadian Cancer Society for a promo spot on Rogers TV in Collingwood. 

And in the afternoon I attended the Heroes for Hope assembly at Meaford Community School to watch my little friend and neighbour have her pretty blonde ponytail cut off to be donated for wigs.  It was a great turnout and lots of funds raised for Canadian Cancer Society.  Great job kiddos!! And even the police/firefighters present shaved their heads and got mohawks for the cause! 

One more thing... I found out the other day - very exciting news!! - The Toronto Blue Jays are doing a skin care/skin cancer awareness day on July 2 2016.  They are playing the #NotJustSkinCancer video at the game!!! and featuring Save Your Skin Foundation and Melanoma Network of Canada WOW!!! And they have invited us four participants in the video with complimentary tickets to the game and a chance to give a big wave on the Jumbotron!   The girls and I will be there to represent Save Your Skin Foundation.  

This invitation is an honour and a fun bonus - thank you Toronto Blue Jays!!  We can be there in person to see the Jays beat the Cleveland Indians.  ;-) 

PS - One more tiny thing - I have an appointment with a new Dermatologist, whom I will be able to see in Meaford.   VERY happy about that!  Farewell, Ice Queen.  



PPS - One regret I have from this busy season... I have had to cancel/postpone my speaking engagement at a high school friend's grade4/5 class about Sun Safety.  I'm sorry to postpone, but I will aim to be better prepared next spring to speak to youth about skin care and sun safety.  Thank you for the invitation, I owe you one!