A Decade Later...

Today, on Melanoma Monday, I’m pausing to acknowledge and celebrate on my 10-year survival from stage IV melanoma.

?

When I walked into my doctor’s office 11 years ago to have a mole on my leg evaluated, I expected to have it removed and leave without any more thought. Instead, the mole was sent to pathology, and I embarked on the fight of my life, battling stage III and eventually stage IV melanoma, and exploring every treatment option, including clinical trials.

?

I was lucky to know how to find and access new treatment options, but my job constantly reminds me that the speed of innovation in oncology makes it challenging for patients to know the latest standards of care and get to the right treatment quickly. This results in 1 in 3 cancer patients not being on the optimal therapy, today.

?

Ten years after being told I was cancer-free, I recall as a patient how easy it is to become swept up in navigating the complex health care system, enduring treatments, and making memories with your loved ones. You end up living and breathing cancer and don’t see how every small step you’re taking is adding up and getting you closer to the other side.

?

Now that I am on the other side. I can see the emerging immunotherapy I had access to – now the standard of care – meant that I didn’t have to completely put my life on hold. I was fortunate enough to be able to accelerate my career and climb the corporate ladder while living in this new normal. I saw my kids grow up from toddlers and young children to teenagers and young adults. And I realized my passion in life – advocating for patients and creating solutions that get them to the right care, at the right time so they have the same opportunities to experience all of life’s moments like I do.

Everyone’s experience is different, and some battles are tougher than others. I hope my story of reaching the 10-year survival mark can be a source of comfort and a beacon of hope for those who are living with cancer. ?

?

Learn how you can prevent and detect skin cancer

?

Taking time for our own health is one of the best things we can do for ourselves, our families, our coworkers, and our community. Skin cancer is the most common and most preventable cancer in the U.S, yet melanoma accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers and causes a large majority of skin cancer deaths. Since it’s Melanoma Monday I thought I would share a few helpful reminders about skin cancer.

?

• Practice safe sun. Apply sun screen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Find a shady spot, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Wear sun protective clothing and sunglasses with UV protection whenever possible and use extra caution near water, snow and sand. Avoid tanning beds.
• Perform a skin self-exam.?You can find skin cancer early if you know what to look for. Learn about performing a skin self-exam here.
• Get screened for cancer. Be sure to see a dermatologist for regular skin screenings, and talk to your doctor or a dermatologist if you notice a changing mole or a suspicious spot on your skin.

?

All of these tips and more can be found on the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s page: Prevent Skin Cancer.

?

Do you have a life experience that motivates you in your work to improve health care and the patient experience? Please share in the comments.