Initial diagnosis of Stage IV Melanoma
Five years and one day after removing my Melonoma from my shoulder, I had a routine check-up with my Oncologist. I had recently discovered a lump in my leg that I thought I should show her. Given my history, she didn’t take the situation lightly. She ordered some scans and wanted it removed and biopsied ASAP.
Upon getting the results of the scans and biopsy, I found out that the monster that is Melonoma is back — in a handful of places in my body, including my brain.
I can’t even begin to describe the last couple weeks and the tornado this has created. I know had skin cancer, but I never labeled myself a “Cancer Survivor”. From my perspective, I didn’t survive anything — I simply had it surgically removed. I was super diligent with all my check ups and constantly making sure nothing new showed up. Nothing ever did. I didn’t have any new moles or marks on my skin. I didn’t have any symptoms. It wasn’t until I did a full body PET scan and a MRI of my brain when we found these. One day I was a totally fine and seemingly healthy 29 year old, and the next I have Stage IV Melonoma.
I’ve got the best medical team assembled and the best damn support system in place. It feels like I’ve got an entire army around me and I know, together, we’re going to destroy this disease.
So, if you're interested, put on some god damn sun screen and join me in this journey.
Cancer doesn’t stand a chance.