I'm not really sure how many people read my website, although trending says a few more each day.  I thought I would add a bit of seriousness to life.  As for my family, I hope you've all learned of this by now.  If not, you'll know soon.

On Tuesday, March 3rd 2009, I was diagnosed with Type II Malignant Melanoma.  This is a VERY early stage of the cancer and I have already scheduled the excision and SLN biopsy for late next week.  Everything I've heard and read about this says that my survival percentages are in the 90%+ rate and I really shouldn't be concerned.  However as this IS a cancer, and my wife is a former oncology nurse, we are taking this very seriously.  We have already mapped out my treatment path going forward after the excision, and I really have to thank my wife heartily for being here for me.

On a personal note, I would like to stress for anyone out there that was like me.  I had a mole that I'd said "I should get that looked at....  later" so many times I'd lost count.  Even after I'd seen it scab over...  I'd put it off.  It was always "later". Three years, at least, have gone by while I just sat by and said, nahhhhh, it's nothing bad.  And I'm EXTREMELY lucky that it has truly been nothing bad... yet.  Melanoma is one of those cancers that is very subtle in its actions.  Don't let arrogance put you in a position where you no longer have any options besides chemotherapy and hospitalization.

I have a 4-year old daughter.  I could have EASILY let this disease continue festering to the point of it being non-treateable.   This is NOT a pleasent thought for me as my wife and daughter ARE my life. PLEASE, do not let this happen to you.

I will be chronicling my, hopefully, short fight with the initial tumor and ongoing preventative treatments for anyone who is interested.  It will also give me an outlet for what I'm thinking, as I can sometimes "think too much".

Thank you for any and all support.

...Especially to my family.  Love you!