What it Feels Like to Have Cancer

I have cancer. Melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It begins in skin cells called melanocytes.

Melanocytes are the cells that make melanin, which gives skin its color. Melanin also protects the deeper layers of the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

When people spend time in the sunlight, the melanocytes make more melanin and cause the skin to tan. This also happens when skin is exposed to other forms of ultraviolet light (such as in a tanning booth). If the skin receives too much ultraviolet light, the melanocytes may begin to grow abnormally and become cancerous. This condition is called melanoma.

The spot on my leg is melanoma "in situ." In situ is malignant melanoma cells found only in the outer layer of skin cells (epidermis) and have not invaded to deeper layers.

So, I go on March 27 to get it cut out.

I'm not sure how I feel about it all. I'm not worried. I am thankful that it's not more than in situ. My paradigm has once again shifted. My life is not my own.