This afternoon I had an appointment with my dermatologist. As a transplant patient I recently found out I need to visit a dermatologist twice a year so I can be checked from head to toe for suspicious skin issues that could lead to skin cancer if not removed. I have DREADED this appointment since my transplant cardiologist told me that this is now part of my follow up. Frankly, I'm feeling so fantastic that I just don't want to deal with doctors, hospitals, or anything that falls in that category. I want to be left alone and lead a normal life! However I finally talked myself into making an appointment as a part of being INTENTIONAL about things in my life. I would hate to put off going to the dermatologist aside and then in the future find out I have major skin cancer (that could have been removed in 5 minutes) that has spread to my organs, lymph nodes, etc. So today Brian took me to see Dr. Laborde out near the Galleria because I was a big chicken and didn't want to go by myself. I had myself so completely stressed out, worried and anxious over this it was ridiculous. Now I must say it was so easy. He removed 3 spots that concerned him, one on the side of my face, one on my lower abdomen (a freckle that I've had for years and had not even thought was an issue), and a place on my back that was the major reason I went in. The numbing medicine stung going in, but I have to say my anxiety and worry were far worse than that. Once he had numbed the area I felt NOTHING! He was fantastic, talked to me the whole time and put my mind at ease immediately. I will return in a month and have a couple of other things removed that he thinks are fine, but would rather have removed before they can turn into anything else. So I urge each of my readers to find a dermatologist in your city and be intentional and proactive about being checked, even if you don't think you have any issues. It's just a good thing to do...and trust me...it's not that bad....and this is coming from a girl who is the biggest baby when it comes to this kind of stuff. (Oh, I know you're thinking...seriously Angela...you've had two heart transplants...you're a very brave girl. Well yes, I have had two heart transplants and all that horrible stuff that goes with it, but if you know me I beg for drugs for even the smallest procedure and because my docs don't want to deal with me being a paniced and crying basket case they usually drug me, so I don't care...so yes, I'm a big baby) If you live in Houston I HIGHLY recommend Laborde Dermatology
His credintials are about as good as you can get. He was valedictorian in Medical School, was the chief resident at Colombia Presbytirian Hospital in NY, and did his fellowship on the Harvard and Yale faculty. Plus he has great "bedside" manner which is more important to me than all of that combined. Make your appointment this week...be INTENTIONAL...it could save your life!
and a photo of some flowers on my kitchen table with the sun shining on them
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