Gender

Female

Birthday:

February 24

Hometown:

Cincinnati

Relationship Status:

Married

About Me:

I discovered my vitiligo at age 17. First it was only on my finger tips and around my mouth. I thought nail polish remover was discoloring my fingers. I thought I just was having "make-up" problems around my mouth. I then noticed it on my stomach and thought I had cancer. I went to my M.D. who thought it was a fungal infection. I washed for two years with Selsun Blue and noticed no improvement. I was getting married and I have long beautiful nails that are my own. I was dreading that "hand photo" with the rings. I then went to a dermatologist who told me I was being VERY VAIN and that the only treatments available would require me to stay indoors at all times! He said it was not cancer and to "get over it." A few years later I was expecting my baby girl. I started to really worry if she could end up with my skin. During that time, People Magazine featured Dr. James Nourdland from U.C.. After the baby was born I went to see him. I tried the ointments with no luck. I then tried the UV treatments and did notice some coloring. I became pregnant again and stopped thet treatments. Before I could start again, my sister was dx. with MELANOMA!! I quit the UV all together (partially due to lack of time and the cost). Since then, my baby sister has also had cancer on her lip removed. My two daughter's show no signs of Mommy's special skin. I think it helps them as teen-agers to over look their, and other's, flaws. We call the summertime my Neopolitan skin as I am brown, white and pink. I don't often notice the stares. If I am in the right mood and do notice a stare I often say "I know, I am so damn sexy." This usually will make people aware that they are really staring me down. I can't say it never bothers me. But, it really only bothers me when I see photos of myself before the spots. I do have it everywhere and it is just a part of who I am. I wear anything I want except the color pink and anything that has too much of a pattern as my skin already offers that. I wear a bikini whenever I want. This is who I am. There are alot of worse things out there. I do wear make-up, but would anyway. I have been married for 18 years and together we have 4 wonderful children. I do hope my children do not get this, but if they do, I hope they have learned that this does not define who you are.