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WHY THIS CAUSE IS IMPORTANT TO ME
by Matt Brooks, Executive Director
Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers
Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that I would be impacted by Melanoma. Having always lived a healthy lifestyle, I assumed that cancer and health issues only impacted "the other people". It is hard to believe I thought this way, especially considering I have blond hair and blue eyes, and fit the profile of an individual who should be concerned with the effects of the sun. My lifestyle includes vacations in the islands, sunning by our pool, working in the yard without sunscreen, and walking outside without so much as a hat. To be perfectly honest, I had little regard to the damage that can be caused by the sun. I have never liked hats, and allowed my vanity to keep me from using something so critical to my overall health. All this changed, however, when I received the fateful call from my dermatologist. As it turns out, the odd looking mole I had removed from my face, was indeed melanoma. I was facing surgery, as well as a concern that the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. After a call like this your whole life changes, and the concern for your own mortality creeps into your head. You begin to wonder, why did I assume I was more powerful than the sun????
Following much research on melanoma, I quickly began to understand the causes and potential outcome of it's wrath. I also came to understand that left untreated Melanoma is one of the most deadly forms of cancer. For years I have heard people say, "oh melanoma, is not that big of a deal, they just cut it out and you are fine." Sadly, people have come to believe that it is such easily curable cancer individuals discount the potential threat to their very existence.
I finally met with my surgeon, Doctor Jeffery Wagner, and he explained to me the depth of the growth and the potential risk involved. Having seen the growth on my face, I waited almost eight months before I saw the dermatologist and this allowed the cancer to grow, and increased the risk that it had entered my blood stream. Based on my situation, the melanoma was determined to be a "1A". Whew, they found it early, but not as early as it should have been if I had just been more proactive. I came to understand that overall my prognosis was very good. I still had some risk that it had spread, and we went ahead and had the nodes checked for peace of mind. Following the removal, I awoke from surgery with a four (4) inch stitch across the top of my head, as well a few more where the nodes were removed for the cancer biopsy. The experience left me with some powerful life lessons. First, I pray for all those who are not as lucky and have their life cut short by this killer disease. Secondly, one should be more proactive with your own health and at the first sign of any odd looking growth, have it examined immediately. Finally, life is precious and no one is immune from the risk of the sun, no matter how much you think it only "happens to the other guy". Consequently, don't let your vanity keep you from staying healthy.
The thought of my own mortality, as well as not being able to continue in this life with the ones I love has changed me forever. I now appreciate life more and am working on avoiding the risks of the sun. Life is a wonderful gift, and no one should ever take that for granted! A special thanks to all my family and friends who reached out to me with concern! Much Love!
Matt
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