"Sunscreen Warning. Fact or Fiction??"

So long to the 2010-2011 school year. It has been a great year filled with its may usual challenges, ups and downs, and many many surprises. As the school year comes to a close, I am thinking back of how this has been one huge school year for me on a very personal level.

The biggest challenge came with the news of Malignant Melanoma diagnosed early on in the school year. As I blog often about this, it was life changing. Not once have I questioned why. I know that I was careless. I was an avid sun-bather not to mention I would hop in a tanning booth every chance I got. Being diagnosed with this cancer honestly came as no surprise to me.

I want to pause here for a moment and give my "2 cents worth" about this new sunscreen scare. This is only my opinion and probably many others who battle with Melanoma that no matter what these new claims are about sunscreen being dangerous, nothing, and I say NOTHING will change any Melanoma cancer survivors of this one thing. Using sunscreen far out weighs the many painful procedures and surgeries that follow a Melanoma diagnosis. I wish those who make these claims and statements would walk in our cancer shoes for just one day. It makes me sick to see what the minds of some who clearly have no clue say. With that being said, you must do the research and use your own judgement. As for me and my family, we will still use SPF 15 daily and SPF 30 when out at the pool and beach, as yes, we will re-apply every 30 minutes! :)

Mother's Day

On this Mother's day, I am blessed to have 2 amazing women in my life. My Mom who gave birth to me and raised me. She put up with me and taught me very valuable life skills. She taught me to be the mother I am today. She is an encourager and always there when I need her. My Mom is my best friend.

My Mother-in-law is the mother to my husband. She gave me a very unique gift. The gift of her son. She also is an amazing woman. She also is there for me when I need her and she put up with my bad attitude even though she doesn't have to. I am so honored to have both of these women in my life.

Since this blog was originally designed for my daughter Shelly. I must give her a shout out. She is only 11 years old and wise beyond her years. She amazes me everyday. I love having her for my daughter.

I can't sign off without giving the usual advise not only to Shelly but all who read, sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen. :)

Choosing joy,

Renee

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

It has been over week since my last post due to a minor medical illness unrelated to Melanoma. I'm still dealing with the illness so I will be brief.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The goal of this blog is to keep my friends and family informed of this. Please do a self examination this month especially if have you several moles.If you are married, have your spouse check the places that you cannot see. My first Melanoma was in a part of my body that I never look at!

Most importantly, especially for my sun lovin Florida friends and family, sunscreen, sunscreen and more sunscreen. SPF 15 everyday for daily use and SPF 30 if you are a sun worshipper and reapply every 30 minutes. I cannot stress this enough. I know it's cool to have a tan, but what is not cool is skin cancer. As a matter of fact, it sucks!

Choosing Joy,

Renee