Dulce Michell’s story

I kept ignoring him until the time came when I was forced to call Kim, my dermatologist, for a completely different reason. I had developed an allergic reaction on my face and needed treatment.

That morning before I left my house, my husband insisted once again I get my dark spot checked out. During my facial assessment, I showed Kim the spot on my left shoulder. I noticed the concern on her face as she immediately suggested a biopsy.

Two weeks later, I received a call from her with the results. She said my test had come back positive as a stage II melanoma and that I needed to go see an oncologist ASAP. I must say that was the first time I actually became concerned and started taking my situation seriously.

My oncologist, Dr. Legaspi, scheduled me for surgery on March 9, 2016, for a complete removal and resection of the area. More samples were sent to pathology to determine if I would need chemo or radiation, but fortunately all my post-surgery tests came back negative, so no additional treatment was needed. I do, however, have to follow up with my dermatologist and oncologist every six months for evaluation and detection as a preventive measure, since there is a chance that melanomas may redevelop.

I am very grateful to Kim, my dermatologist; Dr. Legaspi, my oncologist; and to my husband for his constant nagging and persistence in wanting me to get my dark spot checked out. I am definitely a very lucky girl!