Ten years ago this month I was diagnosed with stage 2B malignant melanoma. Every single day since then I have been grateful to be alive, grateful that I had such great doctors, and grateful that as far as I can tell, the cancer has not spread. This video makes me cry everytime, but it is really good. Please please please be safe in the sun everyone, especially now that we are heading into warmer weather...hopefully.
Love and hugs from me to all of you who have had a similar diagnosis.
Thank you for this...my husband was diagnosed last year with malignant melanoma and it was and still is terrifying. It is always nice to hear that 10 years later you are cancer free! Thank you!
Posted by: Kristen | 04/18/2013 at 08:08 PM
glad you are cancer free - 10 years! that is good
Posted by: Karen | 04/18/2013 at 08:56 PM
My very, very favorite Youtube video. I also cry every time I see it. Congratulations on being 10 years cancer free.Celebrate!
Posted by: Marian | 04/18/2013 at 09:02 PM
Son was just diagnosed with malignant melanoma--he is just 36 but the report just back after surgery that it was caught early and they got it all. We are double blessed in that his National Guard unit is called to Afghanistan this fall and we may not have caught it till too late. We had no idea or even thought the mole he had all his life was changing! thank you for your story and glad you are well!
Posted by: Mary Jane Stewart | 04/18/2013 at 10:34 PM
Well done! 10 years is a great milestone :)
Posted by: Valerie Slater | 04/19/2013 at 01:29 AM
Good to hear 10 years have passed Erin. I'm in my 12th year, miracles do happen. Big hug for you, xxx Anita.
Posted by: Anita Westerveld | 04/19/2013 at 02:51 AM
Sitting here, after no sleep all night, crying like a baby. I will share this with every young person I know. Thank you.
Posted by: Loralynn | 04/19/2013 at 06:44 AM
Mine was a basal cell on my face 7 years ago. The fear is still there, but life is definitely sweeter.
Congratulations on your anniversary! May you have a long, cancer free life so you can dance at your grandchildrens' weddings.
:)
Posted by: Eileen Keane | 04/19/2013 at 06:47 AM
I can't believe it has been 10 years. Wow! Yippee!
Posted by: Debbie | 04/19/2013 at 07:22 AM
We have a family friend who had stage 4 malignant melanoma. He was given six months to live. I am happy to say that 25 years later he is a grandpa to two adorable grandsons and lives a very happy and healthy life. Congratulations on beating it too!
Posted by: Laura K | 04/19/2013 at 09:38 AM
Thanks for the video. Often I don't take the time to watch videos but this one was different. I have always told my family, friends, and students before they went on vacation or went out in the sun "don't forget your sunscreen." I knew that with my fair skin and history of sunburns (who knew, back in the '50s?) that I was a candidate for skin cancer. My dermatologist found and removed a malignant melanoma almost 2 years ago.
Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary! Though I still have anxiety about my cancer, your story and those in the comments help me concentrate more on my blessings.
I will continue to give my "don't forget your sunscreen" advice and now will pass the video along whenever I can.
Posted by: Laurel | 04/19/2013 at 10:29 AM
Thank you for posting this. You may never know who it will affect, but I for one am going to forward it and also look at my numerous moles closer and more consistently.
Posted by: Janet | 04/19/2013 at 10:55 AM
Wow! I'm so thankful that you are here and inspiring us to quilt and to live life! Thanks!
Posted by: Liz S. | 04/19/2013 at 11:38 PM
I've lost two sisters and my mother to cancer.
Check your skin, your breasts and have an annual physical.
Congratulations on being cancer-free for 10 years. A celebration of life.
Posted by: Lynn G in Abingdon | 04/20/2013 at 02:40 PM
Thanks be to God and all the doctors and everyone else in your life that has sustained you through all of this. It sounds like you are truely blessed". I know that all of us are thankfull to have you as a part of our lives and I hope and pray that you will continue to be blessed for many more years to come.
Posted by: Linda | 04/21/2013 at 11:30 AM
Good on you young lady! God is great. You should live a long & healthy life. God bless.
Posted by: lynn | 04/21/2013 at 04:38 PM
Wow.
Posted by: Denice Barker | 04/22/2013 at 10:21 AM
Enhorabuena por tu recuperación,desgraciadamente vivo en una ciudad con una incidencia grande en melanomas y he visto muchos casos. un saludo
Posted by: Reme | 04/22/2013 at 11:38 AM
Bless you!
I am very glad you are still here with us...
Posted by: Miriam | 04/22/2013 at 07:00 PM
you are lucky. thanks god for that. my mom was not. take care for yourself.bless you. thank you for this blog.
Posted by: varda | 04/25/2013 at 01:30 AM
My husband was diagnosed with stage 3 Malignant Melanoma at age 19. He had a 12 inch circle of tissue removed from his back. He is now 51 and going strong. When I see that "crater" in his back, I thank God for saving him. One thing is certain - God is in control! He has a plan for your life and sharing your gifts is awesome!
Posted by: Patty Jager | 04/29/2013 at 09:43 AM