…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Melissa Lewis, a 48-year-old mother-of-four from the UK, has been living with skin cancer for over a decade.
She undergoes an annual Photodynamic therapy treatment to prevent her non-melanoma skin cancer from becoming invasive cancer.
However, the treatment leaves her with a pockmarked appearance that she compares to Freddy Krueger, a character from a horror film.
hopes her story will raise awareness about the dangers of sun exposure and prompt people to be more cautious.
She urges people to wear sunscreen and be mindful of the symptoms of skin cancer, including sores that don’t heal, lumps, red patches on the skin, and changes in freckles or moles.
Melissa’s Story
Melissa first noticed a basal cell carcinoma, a sign of skin cancer, on her leg in 2011. Since then, she has found cancerous patches on her forehead, nose, chest, and back.
In 2018, she discovered a group of freckles in front of her ear, which turned out to be a melanoma.
Melissa had the melanoma removed, but a biopsy revealed she had Bowen’s disease, an early form of skin cancer.
Melissa now undergoes Photodynamic therapy once a year to prevent further surgery and to keep her non-melanoma skin cancer from becoming invasive. She describes the treatment as painful and stressful and has to stay indoors for up to 14 days while her skin heals.
Melissa wants people to understand the seriousness of skin cancer and to take precautions to protect themselves.
Analysis
Melissa’s story highlights the importance of protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
The harmful effects of sun exposure can be long-lasting, and people should take steps to minimize their risk of skin cancer.
Melissa’s experience of undergoing Photodynamic therapy shows that skin cancer treatment can be challenging and unpleasant.
It is vital to be aware of the signs of skin cancer, such as sores that do not heal, lumps, and changes in moles, and to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Melissa’s story is a reminder that skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or skin color, and that prevention is key.
People should use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors and avoid excessive sun exposure, especially during the hottest part of the day.
By taking simple precautions, people can reduce their risk of skin cancer and avoid painful and costly treatments.