Emily's Story

It's the places we can't readily see that can cause problems! My "place" was on my back. A mole had formed, but I didn't pay much attention to it until my clothes started to stick to it. I made an appointment with a Dermatologist to have the nuisance removed. One week later the phone call came--Stage IV Melanoma.

The four years that followed were a series of surgeries, radiation treatments and two forms of chemotherapy (as the first chemo did nothing to slow the cancer). I was lucky because I had a great doctor, the NRI family and an extended family of my own to help me through the process.

The word "survivor" is often used once a cancer goes into remission. I have always felt "fighter" is a more accurate word because years later there is still a bit of fighting going on. The effects of the chemo itself is something our bodies must continue to battle.

Sunshine carries a mixed bag of reactions. We need it to flourish, but it can also be a detriment to our health. As with most things, common sense is our best friend when it comes to any kind of skin cancer. 

Gerry's Story

10 years ago I had a mole on my chest that wouldn't heal. I ignored it for 6 months thinking it would eventually go away. Wrong!! I finally went to the doctor. Luckily it was not melanoma, but it was cancerous and it had to be removed along with additional moles and skin. Best advice-stay out of the sun and use protection when you are in it. 

Cyd's Story

The  physician felt so bad, he didn't know it was Stage IV Melanoma. What she thought was a walking blister on the bottom of her foot, 3 months later turned out to be melanoma which had traveled into two of her lower lymph nodes. The only treatment for 8 months was a drug called, "Interferon" and that almost killed her. Interferon killed both the good and bad dividing cells. 

There is no way to get rid of melanoma, it's in your blood and travels from place to place. It keeps moving around and depositing in various places of the body and you never know where it's going to pop up. What started as a blister on the bottom of her foot, has now migrated to her leg, back, intestines and now the lining of her stomach. The doctor says she's a walking miracle. She is and she's my mom. 

If you're diagnosed with melanoma today, the good news is there is new treatment. Early diagnosis is critical and an annual skin assessment is recommended. You should also pay attention to non-healing sores, especially on the bottom of your feet. When you do have a non-healing sore or mole, a biopsy would be recommended.

It should also be noted that due to my mom's cancer diagnosis, it was the impetus for my sister to go back to college and complete her Bachelors Degree in Nursing. My sister has been by my mom's side for all of her doctor visits and knows all the hard questions to ask. My sister is a blessing.