Back in a bit…

Won’t be long….taking a break to focus on assorted health issues. Keep up the wonderful creativity.

‘melanoma’ post again…

In 2010, I posted re moles and malignant melanoma. Since that time, that specific post has had almost 53,000 visits suggesting it is a concern to visitors. Over the years, I have had areas on my forehead and cheek (Actinic keratosis) removed via cryo-burning. I went in the other day and the usual spots were treated and then the full body inspection. I am rarely in the sun exposing more than arms and head anymore…not like the old days of tanning beds or sunbathing. Well the doc muttered ‘hmmm, that’s concerning’ to a spot on my lower/middle back. A slice was taken, biopsy performed and today I received the call the sample was cancer. A ‘simple’ procedure will be performed and further testing re lymph nodes etc.

This photo is quite identical to my back…kind of unassuming and so easily overlooked. So take warning sun worshippers….I am reposting the original post and there are plenty of good online links re images and what happens with each variety of damaged skin…benign or malignant. My doc said, ‘you may be very careful now, but you did so much of this damage years ago and it is just now catching up.’

https://swittersb.wordpress.com/2010/03/15/moles-malignant-melanoma/

friendship & trust…

‘Someone to tell it to, is one of the fundamental needs of human beings.’ Miles Franklin

changes in light (life)…

hiding from the glare,

contemplating life back here

step toward that light

 

look up now and then…

don’t we spend a lot of time shuffling along life’s trail looking downward to avoid the trips, stumbles and falls? We wait for the infrequent viewpoints to stop and look at the vista. But often the beauty is about us and missed as we navigate the hazards.  

take care…

As some of you know, SwittersB & Exploring use to be SwittersB & Fly Fishing. I switched names because my interests had expanded into a broader arena, photography wise. That said, in the past, I frequently reminded readers to stay fit for safety reasons. I am ever more convinced of the need for maintaining strength and flexibility, particularly in the lower extremities if one is out hopping about on uneven terrain (see those shoreline rocks behind me).

I have taken several bad falls the last few years along rivers and trails, which ultimately required a complex surgery on my ankle this Spring (further I have damaged the back, wrists and elbows). The rehabilitative process is ongoing and not like it was even ten years ago.

Please maintain your foot, leg, hip, core strength especially if you are out moving about on uneven surfaces. Once older, the restorative consequences are sobering. Stay stronger, be safe!!!

Guardrails are worn…