Spring, Summer and Sun Safety

I hope you are protecting your skin from the sun: hat, sleeves, and, first and foremost, using good sunscreen. It is never too late to take charge, even if you never thought your skin could be damaged, and avoid precautions.

You bask like a bird with stretched-out wings and look at the sun directly, with naked eyes, while your shades are parked on your head. Your two-pieced bikini or those sexy Speedos may be worse than old scorching sun paints your hide.

Then it happens to your skin, and you are in serious trouble.

Paul and I have been under a dermatologist’s care for several years. We have had skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions removed from our skin and other problems. The sun’s dangerous rays beamed down on us while we worked on many chores and leisured in the sun.

Oftentimes, Johnny Wayne preferred to shed his shirt. His back would turn bright red and blister. After a trip to Dr. Timothy Weaver, treatment one year, a few nights of moaning and vocal complaints, when farming job opportunities came about, he donned his shirt and cap.

I hated to wear straw hats. I only liked the pretty hats I wore for a church mom bought from the dime store around Easter.

Years later, after spending nine years that I worked for the city of Brazil with my dad as a caretaker of Rest Lawn Cemetery, my skin began to show signs of trouble. My primary care provider sent me to a specialist. Surgery on my nose followed. A malignant lesion was removed.

After I moved to my present location, I was referred to Dr. Lawrence Mark in Avon. A carcinoma was surgically from my temple area.

Paul has had surgeries to remove melanoma from the forearm and other pre-cancerous lesions from his back, chest, and ears/cartilage removal.

His issues began while serving aboard his ship during tours at sea, in the Mediterranean and

They continue to the present day. Both wear Ultra Sheer SPF 100 + a recommended sunscreen from Neutrogena.

Recent surgery on my nose on Valentine’s Day, again for melanoma, was more involved in removing all associated cells. Friday, the case was closed for now. I can live with the scar.

Happy Easter, and take care.