Yesterday, I underwent surgery for malignant melanoma. Yup, I have cancer again. I had a mole on my shoulder that I had biopsied a few years ago and it was fine. The mole grew back so I had it removed again and this time the pathology came back positive for skin cancer. Really? Cancer again?!?!
Apparently, according to my surgeon, if you’ve had breast cancer, you have a much higher risk of skin cancer. Not sure why I keep pulling the short straw in life but what can you do?
I hadn’t told my family about my diagnosis or the scheduled surgery as we are dealing with a lot. My dad has stage 5 pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to his liver and lungs. He is on high doses of fentanol for pain and he is terminal. It has been a very hard few months for my family, making arrangements for the inevitable. I didn’t want to add any more pain or anguish to the situation, so I waited until after my surgery yesterday to tell everyone. I am fortunate to have lovely neighbors who drove me to the hospital early yesterday morning and brought me home. The incision is very deep and very painful…but this ain’t my first rodeo so I’m managing.
With the holidays upon us, I am looking forward to spending time with all my family…especially my 9 month old granddaughter Ourea. She brings light and joy to everyone…especially my dad. This will be her first Christmas and his last. It hasn’t been easy for him but he wanted desperately to make it to Christmas and I am confident he will.
With all that is going on in the world…the hate, the wars, the devastating state of families facing poverty, persecution and political turmoil, I want to remind everyone of how lucky we are. Please focus on the positive. Please help your fellow man. Please love each other and don’t take life for granted. Things can change in an instant…like hearing “Patti, you have cancer again.”
Sorry, I Don't Have Time For Cancer 
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