Cancer number 2: Skin cancer, probably caused by radiotherapy.

Radiotherapy can occasionally trigger skin cancer

Radiotherapy can occasionally trigger skin cancer - be aware!

A few weeks ago, I had a dodgy mole removed, from just under my mastectomy scar. It turns out it was cancerous. Which doesn’t come as a great surprise, since I knew it had changed shape and just didn’t look right.

Unfortunately radiotherapy, as much as it kills cancer cells, can also cause skin changes, including skin cancer. And this is probably the cause of my new run in with the c-word.

It’s a new cancer, not a recurrence.

Am I bothered by it?

Yes and no.

I’m not surprised.

But I am sad that at the age of 49, I have 2 lots of cancer on my medical record. Which for an otherwise fit and healthy girl, doesn’t feel right. I guess I’m at that age where things start to go wrong and it scares me that my body seems to have learnt how to make cancer cells.

It’s a pain because it’s 2 weeks of stitches and not being able to go swimming or do my usual exercise.

It’s also forced me to have another medical procedure, and I’m kind of over doctors and hospitals.

But I’m also very grateful. To have found it early. To be in a system where these things are taken seriously and dealt with quickly.

And it’s made me check in on myself.

Life is good!

I will be continuing to check my skin for changes and feel my chest monthly for any new lumps and bumps. I hope you do too!

If you have had radiotherapy, be extra vigilant to check your skin for changes

If you have had radiotherapy, be extra vigilant to check your skin for changes

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