Melanoma Awareness & My Personal Journey
May is Melanoma Awareness Month, dedicated to spreading knowledge about this potentially deadly form of skin cancer so I decided to share my journey with melanoma. My goal is to raise awareness, empower people with knowledge and encourage proactive measures towards prevention and early detection.
In 2022, I noticed a mole on my toe that suddenly began to change shape. Although I regularly checked my skin, I had not undergone regular skin checks with a dermatologist. So, after conducting some research, I booked a full-body check at a Skin Cancer Clinic, which had good reviews. The doctor at the clinic was thorough, and I told her about my concerns regarding the mole on my toe. She advised me that it was fine and recommended scheduling an annual check of my skin. I followed her advice.
Months passed but I kept getting this persistent nagging feeling that the mole didn't look right. Although it was not itchy or bleeding and the colour had always been slightly irregular, I was still concerned. So, I decided to book an appointment with my usual GP. Upon examining the mole, my GP referred me straight to a dermatologist. The dermatologist also thought the mole looked fine but suggested taking a biopsy. A week later, the results came back, and it was melanoma.
Due to the location of my melanoma, the removal was going to be complicated, so I was referred to a plastic surgeon. The plastic surgeon advised that the surgery would need to be done under general anaesthetic and I would require a skin graft. He also suggested that the lymph nodes connected to the toe (which ended up being in my groin) should be tested to see if the melanoma had spread. I took his advice (thankfully) and two of my lymph nodes were taken during the surgery and were sent away for testing. A week later I got the unexpected news that a tiny bit of melanoma had spread to one of my lymph nodes and I was diagnosed with Stage 3A Melanoma. I was devastated.
The next five weeks were gruelling. Not only was I dealing with scans and Oncologist appointments I was also dealing with post-surgery skin graft care which included having a wire in my toe, half my leg in a plaster cast, the joy of using crutches, plastic surgery follow-up appointments and the requirement to keep my toe fully elevated at all times!
Thankfully I had a lot of help and love from my family and friends during this time and the PET scan did not detect any further spread. Due to the aggressive nature of melanoma, I am now being monitored through PET scans and ultrasounds alternating every three months for the first two years and hopefully every six months thereafter. Additionally, I need to have skin checks every six months for the rest of my life.
Although these tests and scans are stressful, I am grateful for the thorough monitoring and the team looking after me. I also feel blessed that I listened to my instincts to get the mole rechecked and also the advice to get the lymph nodes tested because these decisions have ultimately saved my life. Always listen to your gut and if something doesn’t feel right get a second opinion straight away.
By sharing this I want to prevent others from going through the same thing. Although I am fair-skinned it's essential to recognise that melanoma can affect individuals of all skin types and ages. Please schedule annual skin checks with a dermatologist. Early detection is paramount for successful treatment and improved outcomes in melanoma cases. Regular self-examinations of the skin, paying attention to changes in moles or the appearance of new spots, can aid in the early identification of suspicious lesions.
Prevention is key in the fight against melanoma. If you are going outside at any time of year in Australia make sure you check the BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) app which tells you not only the weather but the UV Index for that day and outlines when sun protection is recommended. Adopt sun-safe behaviours, such as wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and wearing protective clothing. All of this can significantly reduce the risk of developing melanoma.
Melanoma is a serious condition, but with early detection and proper prevention measures, its impact can be minimised. More than two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime so please turn your awareness into action and take these proactive steps towards skin health so you are not one of them.