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How a $30 Test Saved My Life [1]

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Date: 2023-01-20

Maintaining my sense of humor after surgery.

I cover the energy sector as a contributor for Forbes. This week, they allowed me to cover something different: My recent battle with ocular melanoma. I want to share that story here because the information could save your life.

Here is the link, but I will summarize the key points in case you don’t want to wade through all of the Forbes ads: How a $30 Test Saved My Life

Last summer there was some blurriness in one eye, so I went to the optometrist. I opted for the optional retinal imagining, because I felt like something was wrong. Three appointments later, I was diagnosed with ocular melanoma, and began treatment. Because of the nature of this melanoma, it often isn’t detected until it is too late. In fact, it killed actress Hellen Mirren’s stepson.

I discuss the treatment, but most importantly I want to emphasize to everyone that you need to get your eyes checked annually, even if your vision is fine. And opt for the retinal imagining. It could save your life. If the melanoma isn’t detected until it’s large, the survival rate at 5 years is under 50% because of a high likelihood of metastasis.

I did detail my insurance ordeal here (see My Health Insurance Company is Risking My Life) but I skipped that in the article. But for anyone in the U.S., dealing with insurance companies during a cancer diagnosis is a nightmare. But that’s another story.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/1/20/2148280/-How-a-30-Test-Saved-My-Life

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