Hello. It's come to my attention that one of the members in our Vizzed community/family is going through some hard times. Amanda33351 has melanoma or cancer of the skin and just a few days ago discovered that the infections have spread to other parts of her body. Here's some information regarding melanoma:

- Though a rare form of cancer, the majority of skin cancer-related deaths are attributed to melanoma.

- The disease is more common in females, especially Caucasians who live in sunnier climates.

- Treatment usually involves radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. 

If you would like more information regarding melanoma, check out http://teenshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/cancer/melanoma.html#a_What_Is_Melanoma_ and  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001853/

I made this thread to spread awareness of this disease. My other intention was to get more of the community involved with Amanda33351 in a positive, understanding way. A simple "get well soon," personal message, even a prayer for Amanda33351 would be well appreciated. Thank you. Get well, Amanda, you're in my thoughts.

Um...I have nothing to say about this. At all. I've seen posts like this before, and I don't believe that she has it to be honest with you, but if she does, get well soon Amanda.

pacman1755 : That's a little backhanded of a comment to make. I am aware that Amanda had initially lied about having cancer around the time that she first joined Vizzed, however, I believe that she is being honest about this. I can't imagine someone to lie about something as serious as cancer twice. Also, I've seen in her in the chatroom being ostracized by other members. I don't know why someone would subject themselves to that. Besides, I wouldn't want that on my conscience. Amanda is a trusted member and has been doing nothing wrong. We have no real proof that she is lying or telling the truth so why not assume it's the truth? What if she's really got cancer (which is what I'm inclined to believe) and everyone just continues to not believe her - or worse - knock her? That's definitely no way to treat another person, especially someone seriously ill.

The least that we could do is hear her out, provide her with a few kind words, and treat her well. 

Yeah I suppose that's true. Nobody wants to get accused in something they tell the truth of. I suppose I have seen one too many fake threads lately, heh. I'm sorry for the sour post up there. You made a good point there. I agree. We need to treat her with at least a bit more respect, since most of us have flamed her in the past.

pacman1755 : Thank you for understanding. I really appreciate your honesty. You know, even those who have made fake threads about it have had a reason to do so. Perhaps they have poor social skills for not having consistent contact with other people. Perhaps they have a hard time making friends. Perhaps they feel empty inside and can only ease their inner turmoil by scaring people across the internet. Who knows? Point is, everyone should be heard out and not be demonized. We don't know enough about what most people have gone through, what they're thinking, or if the extent of their emotional distress. 

Disregarding Amanda, melanoma can kill you, and the sad part is that it's often largely preventable. People (especially those of us who are very pale) NEED to wear sunscreen when they are being exposed to the sun for a long period of time, or you are risking dying of skin cancer. It's that simple. Getting just ONE bad sunburn during your youth doubles your chance of developing this cancer.

Know your body. Check yourself for abnormal patches of skin, or moles that are changing or moles that cause pain, and report them to your doctor. It doesn't hurt to be careful, because if it's caught early, that can save your life.

Check out this video put out by people affected by Melanoma & some quick facts...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4jgUcxMezM

There is also more information about prevention and early detection here:
http://dcmf.ca/tools

I think Pacman's initial reaction was normal, seeing as this is a very "boy who cried wolf" situation. Trust has to be earned back, and while I'm not sure whether I believe her illness is real or not, I will say that she's in my thoughts. I send best wishes for good health.

I felt all stiff about all that. Basically, I'm just trying to say, "Keep fighting." Vizzed has got your back.

I was so moved I decided to post twice in a row. Other than that, DISREGARD DOUBLE POST.

Now I know people are on edge about Amanda.  I've heard lots of bad things about her.  But my whole time talking with her this past year I have never seen  her do anything bad.  Over this past year she has been telling me about her having all these skin surgeries.  At first passing it off as a bad bug bite or rash.  Now I have a friend of a family that had melanoma and survived.  He had to go through constant graphing of the skin and chemo therapy.  Something is nagging at me that she isn't faking it this time. 

I hope people understand it's hard to prove you are ill over the internet.  Most people can't show how sick they are.  I am sick and cannot prove anything I don't even have a name to my illness yet.  I know I will keep Amanda in my prayers for a speedy recovery. 

As it turns out, Amanda was lying about the whole thing. As expected.

What a disgusting lie.

I pray for those who have melanoma, as my grandmother has just recovered from it last year.