I know my  posts have been a little scant lately.  I really do have a good reason for it.

I’ve been dealing with basal cell carcinoma on my right arm.  That’s cancer.

I know there are a lot of worse cancers out there, and a lot worse situations, too.  People have huge battles with this disease.  Mine is more like a schoolyard scrap:  it hurts, it’s annoying, and it may happen again.

Still, it’s big deal to me.  I’ve gone through two procedures now to remove skin on my arm.  The first time was just to remove the lesion itself, and have it tested.  My doctor said the longer it takes to get my results, the better the news. I had my first procedure on a Monday.  I got my results on a Wednesday.  I was crestfallen.

Another appointment was immediately made to remove more skin on my arm.  I had the procedure done yesterday.  My doctor told me the ins and outs of basal cell carcinoma and told me that if the tests come back with cancer cells a second time, she’ll have to refer me to a surgeon.  Fingers crossed she got all it all.

If you look at that photo of me above, I’m fair skinned with red hair and green eyes.  I’m a sitting duck, primed for skin cancer.  I need to start taking better care of myself in the sun, and I’ve started a skin care regimen that includes a lot of heavy duty sunscreen.

Funny thing?  I’m still hooping through this!  Yes!  My doctor said I don’t have any restrictions, except not to really scrub the stitches.  I think I can handle that.

I’m glad I’m still able to hoop through this, because I’m depressed over this.  I haven’t been sleeping very well, and have been dragging a lot more than usual lately.  And, having bipolar disorder on top of all this, life changing emotional events usually hit me a little harder.

Ok, now for my personal plea to all hoopers out there.  We are in the sun a lot, whether outside at a hoop jam or on the playa,  FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS PRECIOUS IN THIS WORLD, WEAR SUNSCREEN!!!!!!  Seriously, you need to.  And this basically goes for everyone out there reading this.  I’ll even recommend you some brands that are approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation.  Or just head over there yourself to learn more about skin cancer.

I will get through this.  I’ve  got the love and support of my husband, family, and friends, and I thank them.  We can do this.