I had all the goals for this year. My blog was at the top of the list. Then BAM—life hit me like a freight train. No, this isn’t your usual GLP-1 article, but it’s just as important as anything I’ll ever tell you about GLP-1s.
You’ve probably been putting off that yearly check-up in one way or another. Maybe it’s the dermatologist, maybe it’s your primary care doctor. Time, am I right? I’m here to tell you—make the appointment.
In January, I went to the dermatologist for a small freckle my grandma insisted I check. It was “probably nothing,” I thought—it was there at my last appointment… or was it. The dermatologist removed a small, non-raised but red freckle, just a weird mole forming the dermatologist thought. Two weeks later, I got a call—not from a nurse giving reassurances, but from the dermatologist herself, saying the “C” word: cancer.
I was in shock. While it may seem small to some, it was anything but to me. No matter how reassuring the dermatologist was, I was scared . Like any 31-year-old, my first call was to my mom.
I think people my age freak out because no one talks about health issues or shares their stories. I want to share mine because after telling friends, I’ve received countless texts from people saying they finally made appointments they’d been putting off—not for months, but years.
Timeline:
• End of January: Call from Richmond Dermatology (highly recommend if you don’t have a dermatologist) confirming melanoma that needed removal.
• Next step: Mohs surgery at the Mohs Center. They explained more in depth the type of melanoma. I was very lucky and it was surface-level and wouldn’t require additional treatment once they confirmed clear margins.
• Surgery: A large circle was removed from my right shoulder. The wound was packed, and I was sent home while testing was done overnight at UVA.
• The next day: I got the call—they got it all. Stitches went in and stayed for 11 days. The hardest part? Not being able to get them wet.
Even after the stitches came out, life wasn’t quite back to normal. While the doctor said I could workout, they didn’t recommend it right away. I had worked hard to build a habit of going to the gym 4–5 days a week, and being sidelined was tough. I’ve avoided exercising a few weeks but have recently gotten back into a three-day-a-week routine (no arm), listening closely to my body.
Health issues aren’t often discussed, so when they happen, it’s scary. It’s okay to not feel okay. I was sad, frustrated that my routines were disrupted, and honestly, mad at the situation. But I want to encourage you: make that appointment you’ve been putting off.
Thinking about it, this short two-month chapter could have been so much worse if I hadn’t gone in. Yes, hearing the words was terrifying. Not knowing what to expect was terrifying. Rebuilding habits is frustrating. But I’m grateful this chapter is over. I let myself feel the emotions—but staying down is not an option.
So grab your sunblock, make those appointments, and let’s get back to crushing those 2026 goals. And remember: stay positively you.
Below are some pictures from my journey. If you have a weak stomach, maybe skip scrolling. I share them not to gross you out, but to encourage you to take the steps needed to care for yourself.
