• Home
  • About Me
  • Beauty
    • Beauty Tips
    • My Favorites
    • New Collections
    • Other Beauty Stuff
    • Reviews
    • Skincare
    • Subscription Boxes
    • Fashion Flash
  • Lifestyle
    • Big Questions
    • Blogging Tips
    • Books & Movies
    • Decor
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Food
    • Health
    • Life
    • Other Stuff
    • Travel
  • Empowered Women
  • Partnerships
  • MY LINKS
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

the makeup obsessed mom blog

Midlife beauty, health tips, skincare reviews and advice for women over 40

Life, Other Stuff

May is Melanoma Awareness Month – Please Read!

May 2, 2013

You had to know that I’d be starting off the month of May with a topic that is very near and dear to me.  May is Melanoma Awareness Month.  What does that mean?  It means that you are going to pay attention to every single new or changed spot on your body.  If anything looks suspicious, you are going to go the dermatologist to have it looked at.  Many facilities have FREE skin checks during the month of May.  Take advantage of the opportunities in your area.  Just do an Internet search to see what hospitals or facilities are participating in your area.

My mom had a suspicious spot on her genitals.  She didn’t think much of it at first.  The spot seemed to go away and then reappeared.  It began to concern her.  She made an appointment with her gynecologist who thought the spot looked “like something” and sent her to a surgeon to have it removed.  I was with her for that first surgery in September of 2009.  Several months later her general practitioner saw the pathology report from the surgery and was very alarmed.  The report said that she had melanoma.  She then started to see a melanoma specialist.  She basically had precautionary radiation treatments since none of her lymph nodes were involved.  Months later she did have lymph node involvement in several nodes in her groin.  Again, they did surgery to remove the nodes and did another round of radiation.  Months later she had melanoma on the outer wall of her stomach removed.  This time she had intense Interferon treatments for 30 days.  As the cancer spread she was now eligible for an FDA newly approved drug called Yervoy.  She had to endure the side effects.  The cancer eventually spread to her spleen, liver, stomach wall, pelvic wall, lungs and eventually her brain.  The doctors told her after 3 years of fighting and more treatments with terrible side effects that there was nothing else they could do.  She passed away peacefully on November 4th, 2012.


Why am I telling you these details??   Because I want YOU to know that melanoma is NOT something that anyone should take lightly.  It is not always just a spot or mole on your skin.  It can spread to every single organ in your body.  There is currently no cure.  There is a lot of research going on and several hopeful clinical trials for new treatments.  I am always preaching to everyone to wear sunscreen.  Now you know why.  Until you’ve known someone who has been affected by this awful cancer, you have no real idea of what melanoma really is.  I don’t want anybody else to find out the way that I did.  Wear your sunscreen.  Do those monthly skin checks at home.  Get your skin checked by a dermatologist annually.  Go in to see the doctor if you have any new or changing moles.  It can save your life!!  Prevention and early detection are SO important!

This weekend I will be walking in the Dallas, Texas AIM at Melanoma Walk for a Cure.  This is a walk to raise awareness of Melanoma and raise funds for research.  I am proud to say that my mom is one of the honorees for this year’s walk.  I am adding the link to my fundraising page if you would like to make a donation.

My mom and dad a few years ago.  Married 49 1/2 years!
Thanks for reading my story!!
Pin
Tweet
Share

7 Comments

« Where Have I Been?
New Limited Edition Neon Mini Kits from Nicole by OPI »

RELATED POSTS

  • creating a vision board for the new yaerPrepping for 2025 with a Vision Board
  • empowered women blog seriesHow Can My Blog Help You?
  • Sunday with Stacie blog seriesSunday with Stacie – Volume 17
  • My Blog is Moving!

Comments

  1. lmc1971 says

    May 2, 2013 at 4:52 pm

    Stacie, thanks for sharing your Mom’s story and spreading this important message.

    Big hugs, Lisa
    (Makeup Obsessed Canadian Mom!)

    Reply
    • MAKEUP OBSESSED MOM says

      May 2, 2013 at 4:59 pm

      Thanks so much for taking the time to read my post. Have a fabulous weekend! Stacie xo

      Reply
  2. tiffani says

    May 2, 2013 at 8:39 pm

    What a great post! I find it so interesting that the first spot was on her genitals, I am so glad you have brought that to everyone’s attention. I would never have thought about Melanoma showing up there.

    I also want to say thank you for all the wonderful cards and gift cards Tiara received because of you! She loved opening them all and one came with a butterfly streamer that we hung over her bed in the hospital. Thank you, Stacie!

    XOXO tiffani

    Reply
  3. bturp1 says

    May 3, 2013 at 12:51 pm

    Your mom is a beautiful woman. I too have had skin cancer. I am in my 30’s and I know what it can do to your body. I am a die hard sun screen wearer now and I preach this to my own daughter in hopes that she will never have to go through this. My cancer started in the scalp of my head and it was a small black dot that I ignored for years…my mother finally made me go to the Dr. and what they thought would just be a simple procedure ended up with me having to have a 2″ x 3″ section of my scalp down to my skull removed to make sure they got it all…I was left with a 2″ x 1″ scar on top of my head that I have to creatively party my hair to hide…so it’s also important to wear a hat if you are going to be in the sun! Keep up the great work of helping people be aware of the importance of protecting yourself from the sun!! Best of luck on your walk!! xoxo Brandie

    Reply
  4. LadyZ712 says

    May 4, 2013 at 1:55 pm

    Stacie, thank you for sharing this info! I just had my husband go to check out some suspicious spots & sure enough had to have one biopsied– still waiting on results.Your parents like mine were together for a long time! I’m so sorry for your mom’s loss! xo Sammie

    Reply
  5. Sandra (mamacita) says

    May 9, 2013 at 8:29 pm

    Stacie, I am so sorry that your sweet mother went through this horrible disease and that you have lost your mother from it. Thank you for helping spread the awareness of this cancer. I had a close call last year and am wearing my sunscreen. I want to watch my boys grow up and become men and fathers. Wishing you some needed comfort as Mother’s Day approaches.
    xxxooo
    Sandra

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Melanoma Awareness - Makeup Obsessed Mom says:
    May 1, 2015 at 5:00 pm

    […] for this cause.  My mother passed away in November 2012 from melanoma.  You can read the story HERE.  My daughter, my brother and I will be heading out to two different melanoma walks during the […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stacie Hamilton midlife beauty blogger

Thanks for visiting my site! I'm Stacie and I'm a Dallas based beauty and lifestyle blogger, Mom and Grandma. You could say that I'm slightly obsessed with beauty products, especially skincare. I'm living my best life one day at a time while leading with kindness.

LET’S GET SOCIAL

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Be sure to check these out!

Amazon favorites makeupobsessedmom shop

ARCHIVES

CATEGORIES

  • CONTACT
  • MY LINKS
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • DISCLOSURE
Comment SHOP and I’ll send you the details and l Comment SHOP and I’ll send you the details and links for this pretty outfit. (Just be sure to follow me first so Instagram allows me to message you).💗

Remember this pretty navy strapless dress? I can change up the look in the blink of the eye with my accessories. 

Today I added a lightweight olive color sweater wrap over my shoulders and a neutral cane wristlet. 

I find the little half sweater wrap to be the perfect touch. It adds interest, extra color and a tiny bit of warmth. It comes in dozens of colors and stripes too. 

Comment SHOP and I’ll send you the details and links for this pretty outfit.

#whatiwear #aginggracefully #womenover50 #proaging #womenover60 #petitefashion #makeupobsessedmom #petitestyle #summerdress #brunchoutfit
Patience is a virtue… I patiently waited (and s Patience is a virtue…

I patiently waited (and stalked) the website and brick and mortar stores until I finally found these cute (and extremely comfortable) suede sandals in my size. 🎉

They’re the perfect pairing with my new Lysse New York outfit! I’m feeling like I should be going somewhere warm and fun now.

My jewelry is Melinda Maria and you can use code StacieH for 10% off your order.✨

My purse is Spartina 449. Isn’t it divine?!💗

Just say SHOP and I will send you all the outfit details, but you must be following me to receive the message (it’s an IG rule).‼️ 

P.S. I’m 5’1” and mostly wear petites, but this outfit is regular misses sizes. The pants are cropped length on most.💖

#lysse #lyssenewyork #womenover50 #whatiwear #proaging #petitefashion #mmgirls #spartina449 #midlife #melindamariajewelry
Don’t you love the feeling of buying the perfect Don’t you love the feeling of buying the perfect piece of clothing that makes you feel comfortable, confident and carefree? 

Well this pretty dress does that for me!☺️

Comment SHOP for the link to this carefree outfit with sizing details.💖

And yes, it has pockets! To be honest, the only thing I ever put in the pockets are my hands. But when a dress doesn’t have them, I don’t feel as comfortable. Anybody else feel the same?😅

#petitestyle #womenover50 #whatiwear #proaging #whatiwore #mididress #petitefashion #talbots #talbotsofficial #mytalbots #modestfashionblogger #ladiesover50 #ladiesover60 #agelessstyle #southlake #makeupobsessedmom
Happy Monday Fun Day! Wishing you a relaxing day o Happy Monday Fun Day! Wishing you a relaxing day off or a safe journey if you're traveling. 

I'm excited to share with you my latest obsession - Lysse New York! Their clothing’s won me over with its beauty, quality and comfort.

I’m petite at 5’1” and these cropped length pants fit me great, along with their tops. The brand is eco friendly using recycled materials in many of their products. Very cool!

This wide leg style is a favorite of mine. Are you a fan too?

Let me know if you want links and sizing info.💖
#lysse #LysseNewYork #whatimwearing #womenover50 #midlife #proaging #aginggracefully #petite #petitefashion #ecofriendlyproducts #beautyinspo #over50andfabulous
It’s official! Summer is here! Bring on the ear It’s official! Summer is here!

Bring on the early morning walks before the temperatures heat up, the frozen yogurt, the lazy days, lots of extra sunscreen and lip gloss, big vegetable filled salads, family time and ALL of the great sales!

Leave a comment that says SHOP and I’ll send you a link to my newsletter with all of my favorite Memorial Day weekend sales along with a link to everything from my patriotic outfit because it’s all on sale too.🇺🇸

#womenover50 #aginggracefully #petite #whatiwear #midlife #proaging #southlake #makeupobsessedmom #summersales #memorialdaysale #petitefashion #styleover50
One of my favorite jackets is the lightweight Pack One of my favorite jackets is the lightweight Pack-It Jacket. It’s a great option, especially when I’m on the go! #ad

It has adjustable elastic to cinch in the waist, a hood when I need it in the rain (this hair is a lot of work so I have to protect it)!😅

And the best part is that it can be rolled up into its zipper pouch and tossed it into my bag so I have it when I really need it! It came in handy on my boat ride yesterday!

It comes in several different colors as well as inclusive sizing, so there’s a jacket for everyone! Oh, and it makes a great gift too!

Just comment SHOP and I’ll send the link to your messages or use the link below to shop the Pack-It Jacket from @coldwatercreek 💖

https://liketk.it/5emUj

#coldwatercreek #over50fashion #petite #womenover50 #whatiwear #midlife #proaging #casualoutfits #packitjacket #travelhacks #ColdwaterCreekPartner

© 2024 THE MAKEUP OBSESSED MOM BLOG

THEME BY ECLAIR DESIGNS
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT