One member’s massage leads to a dangerous discovery

DAVE WILENSKY HAS BELIEVED in the therapeutic benefits of massage for years. What he didn’t know was that his weekly appointments at the Massage Envy Clinic in Wildomar, Calif., would play a role in possibly saving his life.

It may seem far-fetched, but here’s how it happened. Wilensky comes in for a massage every Saturday—almost always with massage therapist Keri Robles. After treating him week after week, Robles noticed the appearance of a suspicious-looking mole on his back. (See sidebar “ABCs & Ugly Ducklings” for information on what to look for.)

Although Wilensky didn’t immediately take her advice about consulting a dermatologist, Robles reminded him diligently, becoming increasingly insistent about the potential seriousness of the matter. When Wilensky consulted a doctor, he was diagnosed with stage 1 melanoma. Surgery in August removed the cancerous tissue, and he has since been given a clean bill of health.

“If Keri had not been on her game and displayed such professionalism, I most likely would have had serious cancer within the next few months,” Wilensky notes. “Without her help, the doctors would not have been able to cure this disease as easily as they did.”
-By Rebecca Douglas