I was just diagnosed with skin cancer. Here’s what’s happening next.

We spent last weekend with friends, and as you can see, I covered up. I was worried sick about the biopsy so I drank a couple of margaritas to ease the pain.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

The next time we bump into each other, you might not recognize me.

I’ll be the woman wearing a floppy hat, long sleeve shirt with UV protection and lots and lots of sunscreen.

I was just diagnosed with skin cancer on my right forearm and now my days of lounging in the sun without a ton of protection are over.

Luckily, the cancer was caught early and I have been assured by Wesley Bull with Epiphany Dermatology that everything will be taken care of with a simple procedure.

FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE

I was taking a bath one evening in late January or early February when I first noticed a small, itchy bump on my arm.

I thought it was a bug bite.

At the time, I was going through some stuff. My mom’s health was worsening and she passed away Feb. 10.

Our oldest son was getting married a few weeks later, so it was easy to ignore the bump that continued to grow and had become sore to the touch.

It was a flesh-colored, hard nodule that didn’t look menacing, so I put off getting it checked out.

But about two weeks ago, the thought that this might be skin cancer popped into my mind.

My dad was a sun lover like I am and had a long history of skin cancer.

Of course, I started “Googling” symptoms and the bump had all the classic characteristics of squamous cell carcinoma.

I immediately made an appointment at Epiphany, and last week, a biopsy was performed.

It came back yesterday as squamous cell carcinoma.

Because it was caught early, I will have a minor procedure done next week in the office to take care of it.

But now I am at risk for re-occurrence.

I will turn 55 this month and I’ve spent my life enjoying the outdoors.

When I was young, sunscreen meant baking in the sun in baby oil.

Now, I'm paying the price.

I have recently spent a small fortune on long sleeve rash guards I’ll be wearing poolside, medical-grade skin protection and hats I will be using for the rest of my life.

I am hopeful things will turn out positive, but let me tell you, getting the “C” word diagnosis has caused a few sleepless nights.

Wear the sunscreen, kids.

And if you notice any changes to your skin, don’t wait to get it checked.