I feel fortunate because after my melanoma scare from 1.5 years ago, I've had access to medical professionals who keep careful track of my health, even mapping my moles to make certain any changes are caught. Preventative medicine takes such a load of mental stress off my mind, I can nearly describe the excision process as a sense of relief.
I feel particularly lucky to have access to good medical care for two reasons:
1. I know geographical proximity to appropriate and adequate health care is a privilege in this country. Not everyone has access to a dermatologist in rural areas. In fact, had this been only 2 years ago, I would find myself driving 3+ hrs for each dermatologist visit (and I have plenty). I am so privileged to have a wonderful dermatologist right here in Pierre, SD, thanks to Avera and my dermatologist's commitment to living here.
2. I know a good health insurance policy to cover the majority of costs for frequent visits and procedures is also a privilege in this country. I wish it weren't. I wish people with less privilege wouldn't die of melanoma cancer b/c they can't afford care. I hope and pray for a drastically different system one day, even as I happen to be privileged with an excellent health care plan through the United Church of Christ. I couldn't be more grateful for it.
So as I live into the brief pain and frustration of yet another excision- I won't take the privilege of it all for granted. Life is fragile, and feeling well-cared for in the midst of it all is something I desire to offer others as much as I receive myself. That’s what draws me to community centered in Christ’s compassionate ways. And it's what reminds me to value my family more than ever before.
Oh, and if you see me in the next few weeks, please don’t be offended when I don’t hug you. 😉 I promise I will when this heals.
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