I would like to make a contribution to The Tracy Harrison Foundation for Melanoma Awareness in memory of Galen Dinkel who lost his life to Melanoma July 31, 2011.
Galen F. Dinkel
April 30, 1965 -- July 31, 2011
Galen was diagnosed with Metastatic melanoma stage 4 on March 28, 2011 and lost his battle with Melanoma four months and three days later. He left behind Jane a greiving wife and two broken hearted sons Luke and Josh. Those four months were a horrible journey of surgeries, medical procedures, extreme pain, helplessness and sleeplessness.
Galen had no warning signs!! Just the week before his diagnosis, he had been to the oncologist and his blood work had come back "normal".
Galen originally had a small melanoma mole identified on the back of his upper right arm in 2002. The mole was removed and the doctor's all assured us that Galen was "cancer free". For nine years Galen faithfully visited his oncologist for check-ups first monthly, then quarterly, bi-anually and annually. After five years, his Oncologist told Galen "You don't have to come to see me anymore. If melanoma doesn't resurface in five years the chances of it resurfacing are minimal." But Galen continued with his annual visits any way.
If I knew then what I know now, I would have insisted that Galen receive a PetScan each year. Blood work or MRIs alone will not always identify melanoma. Even if you have to pay for the PetScan yourself, it would be well worth it, because it could save your life. It might have saved Galen's life.
Many times melanoma never appears on the skin and internally. But it is preventable.
Protect yourself and your family. Always wear sunscreen of no less than 50 SPF, NEVER USE A TANNING BED OR TANNING LIGHTS!!!!
Melanoma is the fasting growing and least researched cancer. It is known as "the silent killer" because you don't see or hear it coming. With Galen, there were no warning signs.
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