I just completed treatment for skin cancer. This is how it went.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

I had my appointment this morning at Epiphany Dermatology to take care of the skin cancer that had developed on my arm a couple of months ago.

If you missed the first part of this story, click here.

Anyway, I am home now after receiving electrodesiccation, a procedure where the cancer is scraped away and the base is cauterized with an electric needle.

It was done three times in succession.

The good (and most important) news is that the cancer is gone and my arm should heal fully in the next couple of weeks.

I will pop back into the office for a follow-up visit in a few weeks, then continue with checkups every six months.

The thing I am dealing with now is the overwhelmingness I feel after the “c” word diagnosis.

I am sitting on my back porch (out of the sun of course) and feeling thankful the cancer was caught early and everything will be ok.

But damn. What a scare.

My arm is bandaged up and a little sore and I am battling some nausea.

I plan to take a nap this afternoon then curl up on the couch with The Husband tonight and watch Survivor.

But first, I have some thank yous to give.

Thanks to all of you - friends, acquaintances and complete strangers - who reached out to share your own skin cancer experiences, sent encouraging words, checked on me and suggested vitamins, sunscreens, lip balms and UV shirts that will offer protection from reoccurrence.

I have ordered all of it and will do a series on your suggestions so others who are battling skin cancer have the same information.

What I have learned from this experience is that skin cancer is incredibly prevalent.

What I hope you have learned from my experience is that early detection is critical.

If you have a suspicious spot, get it checked out.

Take care of yourselves; protect your skin from harmful UV rays and wear good sunscreen.

I love you guys, seriously, I do.

This has been a thing and your kindness helped in ways you can't imagine.