A-Typical or Melanoma - Elaine Ruitman

You got it! I have been educated on moles recently because of a peculiar mole that I had on my thigh.
For the past 21 years I have been worried about Rachael, Todd, Carrie and Jo because of their funny moles all over their bodies and the cancer that runs on both sides of the family.
Then six months ago I noticed a mole on my thigh that looks suspicious to me. I begin to watch it, and it begins to change.
Anxiously at my last physical I have my doctor look at this worrisome mole which results in a scheduled removal and biopsy. I then think nothing of it until the nurse leaves several messages to talk to me about the results of my biopsy but won't leave the results on the answering machine. That is when I start to worry.
When we finally are able to stop playing phone tag and talk, she tells me that I need to come in and have more tissue removed from around the sight where the mole was. That the mole was A-Typical. What is A-Typical?
Immediately I am on the Internet. After my research I begin to worry a bit because A-Typical is the stage before Melanoma, the killer cancer if not caught early.
Today was my appointment to have extra tissue removal. This time I am able to sit down with my doctor and read the actual biopsy report, and yes, there were traces of Melanoma. It looks like I caught this in time. I will know next week when we get the results of this biopsy.
Now a word of caution to you sun worshipers and tanning bed lovers. You know that I have always preached to stay out of the sun. Especially to keep your face out of the sun. With the little bit of sun that my skin has seen over the years, I can not believe that I am having this problem, please check your skin out!

Lisa Ruitman Update

Hi everyone, I talked with Lisa today, she just had a long day at the doctors office. I got this information off of her and Todd's blog page for those of you who are not aware of what is going on

Do you like my new fashion accessory? I chose black. Versatile, slimming, sexy and it was on sale. Need I go on? Seeing as how I may be using this for awhile, I need ideas of what I can do to "pimp my ride".
For those of you who don't know what's going on, I've been having "neurological" symptoms like numbness, weakness, pain in most of my body. I'm to the point where I'm having a hard time walking. They've run tests and ruled out a lot of things. We're down to MS and/or Lyme Disease! We're crossing our fingers it's Lyme Disease (that would mean I could start treatment now). I will find out in a week if it's Lyme Disease--in all actuality it's probably not. At the end of August I will get into a neurologist for my "urgent" appointment. I love the medical system here!
Please keep praying for me and thank you for all of your support. I will be having someone update this blog as we find out more (it's hard for me to type).
Thanks Mom for typing this ;)
I love you all.

Stoddards

We have been busy with the heat of the summer of 100+ deg. Morgan is staying in Salt lake for a few weeks. She is having a wounderful time. She is hope to babysit the twin s. With an adult still around. (robert and shelby HINT!)The spa is doing good everyday we are getting more and more clients in so that is a good. My dogs are good too nothing really great happening for an update. I will post a few pix for an update. ok maybe not better luck another time.

July 4th 2008