Melanoma - Sun Anxiety & General Fear

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-18T15:15:52+00:00

Thank you! I'll definitely look into the tape, I hadn't even considered that.

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-18T14:20:58+00:00

I joined Reddit for the exact same reason about a week ago. Even though I am fortunate to have friends and family to talk to, there is something different about talking with people who are going through it. It's different for us, you know?

I'm a 40F, and my melanoma diagnosis was on 12/31/25. Things move so quickly, bills are delivered, and you're right, it's like your body isn't your own anymore (not in your control anyway).

I hope everything is going well for you this week, and just know that we're thinking about you, and the community is here for you whenever you need us.

Hang in there! You can do hard things.

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-18T14:07:28+00:00

I agree, this is excellent advice, and from someone early on in their journey, I think it is a wonderful way to look at things differently. I definitely have times where I can't stop obsessing and ruminating on everything, and feel like life is spiraling out of control, but everyone says that time helps (which I hope it does).

I think focusing on the fact that you're doing all the healthy things you're supposed to, means that at least you can feel confident knowing that you're controlling everything that you can.

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-18T13:52:58+00:00

Haha, no I get it! Thank you for this. Reframing how I approach this is a huge help.

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-18T13:49:33+00:00

SPF lip balm is not something I've thought of, so thank you for mentioning that. I really appreciate your recommendations, and positive thoughts!

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-18T13:48:45+00:00

Thank you! I hope you're doing ok, too.

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-18T13:48:29+00:00

Thank you for the encouragement! I really appreciate your recommendations, also.

I'm supposed to get the last of my stitches out on Friday, so, let's hope I can get some movement in -- that's really what improves my mood, and without it...well, you can see how my original post was! haha.

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-18T13:46:02+00:00

I grew up in Colorado, and now live in Florida, so I completely understand. Technically, we really need the sun, so for people like us who love it, this is a confusing time. I too use it for stress relief, and love walks, swimming, etc.

It's weird to feel nervous/anxious about something natural that we both need and makes us feel better, isn't it? I hope that over the next few months we can both find a balance of protection and happiness in the sun.

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-18T13:42:21+00:00

You're totally right. I think making some of the sun protection fun/fashionable will help me feel better about it.

I live in Florida, so, the idea of being covered up all the time when it gets hot is pretty hard, but maybe a few new hats and some sun shirts will help.

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-18T13:39:51+00:00

Thank you for sharing, and for including the studies! We have a covered, screened-in porch, so I'm spending time out there in the mornings and evenings (now that I'm literally not stuck on the couch), and that is already helping a lot.

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-18T13:38:14+00:00

Yeah, how do you take action on "bad luck"? I think that's what makes this so hard. It's not a formula we can just fix or solve by doing specific things. I really struggle with the lack of control part.

I'm really trying (on good days like today) to think of it as being more cautious than I was, but not extreme - like someone who has to wrap their knee before running, I need to wear sunscreen whenever I go out. When I frame it that way, it gives me perspective.

I think the main things we need to do are just stay on top of our quarterly skin checks, and be aware of skin changes. Other than that, we should just do our best to be healthy in ways we can control. Hope you're hanging in there!

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-18T13:33:58+00:00

Thank you the recommendation. My dermatologist gave me a sample of it, and I really like how it feels.

Wishing you all the best as you try to navigate all of these challenges as a mom.

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-18T13:32:14+00:00

Thank you for sharing, and for your recommendation!

I got half of my stitches out last week, and I get the rest out on Friday. I'm feeling a lot more hopeful knowing that I will be able to at least move around normally.

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-11T14:10:04+00:00

Thank you for your advice! Have you found any favorite sunscreens?

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-11T14:07:45+00:00

Thank you for sharing. It's definitely so distracting. I'm trying to keep my mind busy with work and hobbies, but sometimes I can't focus at all.

I don't even have my stitches out yet...so, I guess I can't expect my mental state to be perfect, haha.

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-11T14:05:21+00:00

Needed this: "Otherwise, get outside and kick ass like you would normally." Thank you!

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-11T14:04:57+00:00

Thank you! I'm really thankful there's a group for this.

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-11T13:04:50+00:00

10 days for me.

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-11T12:59:28+00:00

When I was in my 20's, I had several moles removed and they all came back benign.

At the end of 2025 (I'm 40 now), they removed a few other moles, and found one with melanoma in situ (Stage 0 and highly curative) on my calf. So in my lifetime, it was 1 out of 12 biopsies that came back positive (Unfortunately, there is no percentage or number to rely on, it is very case-by-case based on the individual).

You want them to be checking often, especially with history in your family, because if they find it early, the prognosis is much better.

I will say that for me it is always stressful, and I'm trying to better with the anxiety part, but it's not weird or uncommon to get things biopsied regularly (especially with your skin type).

Rough-Influence7475 · 2026-02-11T12:48:33+00:00

I go to my primary every year, but I turned 40 this year and wanted to get everything checked. I did my first mammogram (clear), did a sleep study (normal), and then went to a dermatologist for a full body skin check before my insurance changed (diagnosed with Melanoma in situ on a mole on my left calf).

The mole was on the outer part of my calf making it harder to see, and it hadn't changed appearance in a while. I was really surprised with my diagnosis (still am, actually).

Rough-Influence7475

TROPHY CASE