More Than Skin Deep
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