Survivor Proves Life Doesn’t Stop After Cancer

Many are enjoying family fun in the sun this summer. Small doses of sun are actually good for you, acting as a great source of Vitamin D. But, if you're not careful, too much sun exposure, although rare, can sometimes prove deadly.

Last year about one million people were diagnosed with the most common form of cancer, skin cancer.

NewsOn6.com's Nicole Wiseman met with a Broken Arrow woman who has survived skin cancer. Tammy Pallares is proof that with early detection and proper treatment, skin cancer doesn't have to end your life.

Tammy has learned to appreciate life in ways some of us never will. Her admiration for the simpler things in life surfaced after getting news she never saw coming.

"You don't believe what you're hearing because it always happens to someone else," said skin cancer survivor, Tammy Pallares.

It was a little bump that caused big problems. Tammy was diagnosed with melanoma, the worse form of skin cancer. Although years ago it seemed harmless, Tammy's young fun had finally caught up with her.

"We were always on the lake and always going out with my girlfriend's and just friends; hitting the lake all the time," said Tammy.

Unfortunately, Tammy's fun in the sun didn't include sunscreen. One doctor gave her just a 37% chance of survival. Dr. Pierre Greeff, a Surgical Oncologist for Cancer Treatment Centers of America saw things differently.

"So many cancers of the skin, when picked up early and treated adequately, can be cured," said Surgical Oncologist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Dr. Pierre Greeff.

Dr. Greeff surgically removed Tammy's cancer. A lot of hard work later, Tammy is a skin cancer survivor and has been for 5 years.

"I do my gardening and I get in my pool, but I'm no more foolish. I am lathered with the highest sun block I can get and I keep putting it on and keep putting it on. And I don't stay out in the sun as long," said Tammy.

Now knowing she's cancer free, Tammy can focus on one of her favorite hobbies, photography.

"You look at things, they're brighter. Look at this day. Everything out here is just popping with color and life," said Tammy.

Tammy doesn't take her days for granted; she treats them as gifts.

Dr. Greeff says it's important to know your body. If something doesn't look right, get it checked.

Click on the WEB EXTRA videos to learn more about skin cancer, prevention and treatment options.

By Nicole Wiseman, NewsOn6.com and Kyle Dierking, Video Journalist.