Skin cancer is a disease in which skin cells begin to multiply uncontrollably; and despite being a common type of cancer, particularly in Mexico it is unknown among us, either due to lack of interest in the subject, ignorance or lack of culture to deal with symptoms to which we downplay the importance, since at the beginning (sometimes years), it is an abnormal spot that does not cause pain, but simply until we see that it is growing, or in a routine medical checkup, we are recommended to see a specialist, as happened to me. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are two of the most common types of skin cancer. They begin, respectively, in the basal and squamous layers of the skin. Both can usually be cured, but treatment is expensive and can leave scars. The pigmented nodular basal cell carcinoma was the first one detected on my right flank, and after three surgeries in that area, the cancer persists.

     Melanoma, the third most common type of skin cancer, begins in melanocytes. Of all skin cancers, melanoma causes the most deaths because of its tendency to spread to other parts of the body, including vital organs such as the brain and liver. Melanoma was the second skin cancer to be detected on my left foot, for which I had my first surgery in September 2025, and I am still awaiting pathology results as well as those of the carcinoma.

    In particular, I can be certain that in addition to having the dreams that have accompanied me throughout my life, a very significant one is to be healthy again, to be able to beat cancer in order to continue dreaming and creating. Unfortunately, as I have shared with you, the circumstances in my recovery process are not in my favor. One of the medical recommendations, in my case, the ideal would be to move to a different city, since where I currently live and have lived most of my life because I was born here (Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico), has been for years one of the geographic places with the highest temperatures during the summer. (which covers parts of spring and autumn), as well as one of the hottest in the world, with temperatures between 86- and 100.4-degrees Fahrenheit during spring (mid) and autumn (early); in summer, the most critical temperatures are between 107.6- and 118.4-degrees Fahrenheit on ordinary days, and on critical days, they exceed 122 degrees Fahrenheit. As you can understand, solar radiation is very intense here. For someone in my condition it is NOT advisable to be here. But it is not easy to leave here either, when I have no family outside, or the resources to do so, so the most I can do for the moment, is to take care of myself with what is in my hands. I cover my skin from head to toe (sleeves, neck, hair, glasses, umbrella, etc.), people look at me strangely, I practically look like a mummy because I'm all covered up, and I try to go out as early as possible, or when the sun goes down. Sometimes because of my medical appointments, I have to be more exposed to daylight, but no way, it's part of my battle.