MichelleNz

Slim, fit, health conscious, otherwise well 43 year old. Work full time indoors so have little sun exposure. Do enjoy kontiki fishing with my husband but always sensible about sunscreen etc. My mole which became malignant was a large one on my thigh which I’d had since an infant and after some 40 years decided to change and developed melanoma. It started getting a little crusty on one edge and bled when I towel dried myself so decided to get it looked at. My Gp was sure it was melanoma when he looked at it and removed it under local anaesthetic the next week. I was shocked that something the size of my thumb nail and only 2mm deep could seriously threaten my life. I was angry that this had happened to me, someone who doesn’t smoke, has never touched drugs and works in the medical sector. I was only 41 and wanted so much more from life and suddenly tomorrow wasn’t promised. It made me rethink how I was spending my life running the hamster wheel, working my butt off each day to just pay the bills! I now see each day as a gift and don’t take life for granted. I have a huge 7″ scar on my leg as an ugly reminder and tell my story to many, trying to educate the ABC’s signs for people to look out for and hope my children and grandson never have to go through the horror of this awful silent killer.