I’ve always been aware of my body. So, when something goes awry, I follow up. Any time I notice something unusual, or just don’t feel quite right, I think, “I need to call somebody about this.” And I do.

That has helped me stay alive for 76 years, by the grace of God. And that’s why I was so surprised to be diagnosed with stage IV melanoma on May 10, 2009.

The weirdest thing about my melanoma...