Melanoma: The speck I almost ignored

Today marks one year since I saw the Nurse Practitioner for what I thought would be a routine follow-up appointment after having a few moles removed.
I still remember sitting there, feeling so relieved to hear the previous moles had come back clear of cancer! As the Nurse Practitioner was finishing up my appointment to send me off with the good news, I whipped my pants down faster than she could say, “You’ll need to book another appointment.” You know that’s how the system goes…

I noticed this wee dot while sitting on the toilet a few days earlier. I remember the first time I saw it I actually thought it was a pen mark and did what every busy mom does, I tried to rub it off with a little spit on my finger.

But it didn’t come off.
The second the Nurse Practitioner saw it, her response was immediate: “I don’t like that at all. That needs to come out.”

The truth is, I probably never would have booked an appointment just for that tiny little speck. It seemed too small to matter. Life is busy, and like so many people, I tend to put myself lower on the priority list. Plus though... it was just one dot. And it was so small.

I've since learned to pay close attention to changes.
Notice what’s new.
Ask questions.
Advocate for yourself.
Because sometimes the things that seem the smallest are actually the most important ways our body speaks to us.
Over the past year, I’ve thought a lot about how easily I could have ignored that lil dot and honestly, that’s what makes melanoma so scary. It doesn’t always show up as something obvious or dramatic. Sometimes it’s just a tiny dark spot that doesn’t seem like a big deal.
A few important facts about melanoma that everyone should know:
• Melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer.
• When caught early, the survival rate is very high.
• Melanoma can develop from an existing mole OR appear as a brand new spot.
• It’s not always large, raised, or obvious.
• Changes in size, shape, colour, or new unexplained spots should always be checked.
• Skin cancer does not only happen to “older people.”
• Early detection truly saves lives.
As someone who's message is to be proactive with our health through nutrition, movement, stress management, and healthy habits, this experience reminded me that prevention also means paying attention and taking action when something feels off.
So let this be your reminder:
Book the appointment.
Check your skin.
Ask the question.
Be persistent.
And yes… pull your pants down if you have to. 

Your health matters, and sometimes the smallest signs are the ones worth paying the closest attention to.

Peace & Love,
Jenn x

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