I was washing my face and that’s when I noticed it -- a flaky little section on my cheek.
I was hoping it was just dry spot, maybe a blemish? But deep down I knew better. I have done so many stories on skin cancer and I knew the signs.
There was an uneven border, the skin was flaky‚ and it just didn’t seem “right.” I ignored it for a couple of weeks, but then one night when I was washing all that TV makeup off my face that little dry patch started to bleed.
I took a picture and sent it to my dermatologist, Dr. Steven Grekin. He responded like I thought he would, “Come in! Let me check that out.”
Well, I did go in, and he confirmed what I thought: skin cancer. Thank goodness it was basal cell and not melanoma! My dad died from melanoma at 62 years old. I have preached and told so many people about using sunblock and avoiding the sun. I know I could and should have done better.
Now, I will say I do put sunblock on my face all the time, and wear a hat and sunglasses ... but I did not do a good enough job reapplying the sunblock, and I know I could have done better avoiding the sun. If you know me, you know I love taking the top off my Jeep, and that a day at the beach is one of my most favorite days!
Undergoing Mohs surgery
I recently went in for Mohs surgery. During the procedure, the doctor removed thin layers of skin one layer at a time, and examined the tissue under a microscope to determine if any cancer remained.
The procedure continued until only cancer-free tissue was left. They had to go in twice to get it all, but thank goodness the cancer has been removed.
I’m sharing this story as a reminder to do better.
Be better at using sunblock, better at reapplying, and better at avoiding too much sun exposure. I am so mad at myself -- and yes, I have been lectured by many family and friends.
I’m lucky it wasn’t serious, but I know it could have been worse.
I’ll admit, I’m worried about the scar left behind. Hopefully it won’t be too bad.
I’ll be off-air for a few days, and hope to be back on air by mid-next week. So, if you see me around this weekend with a big bandage on my face, that’s the reason.