Dr Richard Krathen, M. D.
Board Certified in Dermatology

Who is Richard A. Krathen, M. D.? Some might know him as a board certified dermatologist who practices at Dermatology Associates of the Palm Beaches. But, to me he deserves another title, that of an angel.

For some time, I had this spot on my upper chest that just did not seem to heal completely. I had rationalized that my cross necklace was scratching it at night while I slept. I always kept an eye on it, did the peroxide, and Neosporin, and sometimes it appeared as though it was healing, but it never really did. I always noticed it there, especially after running. I usually went jogging after 9am. Often times, the sun was out, unless it was overcast. I was never much of a sun block user. I thought to myself, I was only running for 30 minutes.

At the encouragement of two friends of mine, Susan, from church, and Elaine (an 84 year old widow from Maine), I went to get it looked at. Without insurance, I knew I was going to have to put out a little money. Then the biopsy came back from the lab, and it was found to be aggressive, squamous cell skin cancer, which can (according to the doctor) metastasize to the bone, but only 5% of the time. I remembered this fact. I opted to pray about it, and that was it. I knew that I could not afford to have it removed.

Being a single mother with no insurance, I trusted in the good Lord to take care of me. But, it did not seem to be getting any better, and the doctors' nurse practitioner kept calling me. She was persistent. I always told her that I could not afford it. But, on the last call from her, I had noticed that it seemed to be different that day, and I was concerned. She encouraged me to come in, and they would take another look. Dr. Krathen looked me straight in the eye, and said that I had aggressive squamous cell skin cancer, and it could get into my organs, and kill me. And he had seen this happen before. Well, it did not take much coaxing after that; he definitely had my attention now.

However, my financial situation had not changed, still no insurance, and I did not know how I was going to pay for it. But, right then, I knew I had to do something. In that moment, I thought about my child.The doctor and his nurses discussed how they might best be able to help me. I asked the nurse practitioner how come she kept calling me, and she said, she was going to send me a letter, but the doctor told her to call me one more time. It was that one last phone call that made the difference in my life. Never give up on someone. I needed encouragement. He must have known. They told me to come back later in the day. Around 6pm, I was "under the knife."

I remember being afraid, and so to comfort myself, I said scriptures inside my head (Lord's prayer, and Psalm 23) and I kept my eyes closed most of the time. I have never liked being a patient. I have always been more of a caregiver. I was wide awake the whole time, but I felt no pain because he had numbed the area. I could only feel a tugging, and pulling, and then I remember smoke (cauterizing of blood vessels) at which point, I asked the doctor if I was "barbequed" yet.

Do you know that Dr. Krathen did the procedure, and did not charge me for his services? To me, he is an angel sent by God. I am thankful for him, and his staff for their excellent care of me. I had given it over to God, in prayer, and the Lord spoke to his heart, and he helped me. I am grateful for Dr. Krathen. It has been six months now, and every once in awhile, I get inspired to bring him some soup, and crackers, or some cookies for him, and the staff, just to let him know that I care.
(copyright 2008)
Dr. Richard Krathen has offices at: