Ok, I got cancer. It is the worse kind of skin cancer-melanoma?

Now, I am single. When it is appropriate to tell new friends or even dates that I have this disease? I mean, it has been in remission 2 years now, but this kind of cancer, and the stage I got it at, says I just have a 60/40 odds of living 5 years. So, a new date might think "gee, I can't fall in love with him cause he might just die early, and that won't make a good spouse" However, I can't just hide it cause it is part of who I am?

It's one of the hardest things to hide and one to share. I also have cancer (NHL), blood cancer, in remission for 2 years and I'm also single. There is nothing to be a shamed of, if you feel comfortable with whom you are seeing , then you should share. I started seeing someone and I share my news and she understands and is dealing with it. We don't harp on it, but I put it out there and moved on with the relationship. If the person you are dating has a promblem with it then, they're not someone you really want to be with. It is part of your life and you can't change that even if you want to.

I would say that as you get to know each other and share about your past, that's when you can share about your skin cancer.

My dad has terminal cancer and was told he only had 3 years to live. 6 years later, he's still holding on. Statistics mean nothing. Get out there and live life. Sure, be honest and share that its a disease that might come back, but none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.

My husband had melanoma in situ removed from his back a couple years before we got married. It didn't bother me at all. I'd be more worried if he was significantly overweight--that's known to cause problems and shorten your lifespan.

I would tell them, but not on the first date. It will come up sooner or later.

Try not to lose hope. From Wikipedia:
"On June 23, 2008, Israeli scientists from the Oncology Institute of the Hadassa Medical Center in Jerusalem announced they developed a vaccine that prevents recurrences of the disease among previous sufferers and increases chances of survival for current ones."

I had melanoma on my face a few years ago. They removed all of it, and said I shouldn't have any problems again ...but to be checked regularly. Have they told you it would return ? Did they remove it all early enough ? If so, go on and live your life .....anyone can go at any given moment, so we need to live our lives to the fullest while we're here. Do not let this ruin your life ....you deserve to be happy.

yes it's apart of you, but you must have faith that you will be healed. You don't have to announce that you have this disease right away, but you should tell them early on. I feel that if you are optimistic about your future and are confident that you will be healed. Then the people you're dating will feel the same way. They will gravitate toward you and not be afraid to be with you. It's a very attractive thing for someone who even in the worst situation can be so positive. But if you are already expecting to die then why should they be with you. Just because the doctors say you have 5yrs to live doesn't mean they're right. Doctors say a lot of cramp and they have no clue what they are talking about. Trust me I have been there. Only God can take life and he can heal. I seen it in my own life, he is a miracle worker. The point I am trying to make is don't set yourself up by thinking negative thoughts or by feeling that someone might not give you a chance. If someone won't give you a chance for this reason then it really says a lot about that person. They don't deserve you then.