TO THE EDITOR

Recently I experienced one of the most trying times in my life. In early February I noticed that a mole on my chest was itching and burning. As most of us do, but will not readily admit, I sought out my mother's advice. My mother has had some experiences with skin cancer and she told me that's what she thought it was and to make an appointment with a dermatologist immediately.

Subsequent examinations and tests revealed that it was in fact a level four melanoma skin cancer and the dermatologist made an appointment for me with an oncologist at Doctors Hospital in Augusta. The oncologist performed another battery of tests on me and then scheduled me for surgery on the 23 of February.

The two weeks that I had to wait for the surgery were, to say the least, nerve racking! Finally, after two hours of surgery and another two hours in recovery, I was told by my doctor that the surgery went great and I was going to be ok.

I know what the readers are thinking, what does this have to do with anything? Well, during those two weeks, after the news of my diagnosis got out, there was an outpouring of phone calls and cards from people all over Wilkes and Lincoln Counties. People whom I, or my family, haven't heard from in years were calling. People who barely know me or did not know me at all, were putting me on their prayer list in their churches.

I had forgotten how wonderful my family and friends are. I am embarrassed to say that it took something like this to renew my faith in God, my family and my friends. I know that I will no longer take their love for granted as long as I live. I would like to thank God for answering the many prayers on my behalf, thanks for the many cards, flowers and phone calls from well wishers. My heartfelt thanks goes out to Sheriff Gerald S. Lawson and his staff at the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office for their love and support. I would especially like to thank my friend and Chief Deputy, Marcy Remsen for his support and for staying with my parents during my surgery. Marcy has a way of finding humor in everything and that helped me and my parents tremendously.

Last and certainly not least, I would like to thank Dr. Fred Kight, Dr. Jack Feldman, and the nurses and staff at Doctors Hospital for their excellent care.

I would urge all readers to perform a regular self examination, especially if you have fair skin, light hair, and blue eyes. Dr. Feldman advised me that these are the characteristics of people that are more likely to get skin cancer. Some of the things to look for are redness or other discoloration around a mole and a burning or itching sensation. If you discover any of these symptoms, please see your family doctor or a dermatologist immediately.

I would also like to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Eydee Turner McClain. Someone, I think it was Mrs. Jerry Robinson, once told me that life is like a vapor, how true.

CHRISTOPHER W. BAILEY