A Life‑Changing Diagnosis of Metastatic Melanoma
Ingrid's Story
In the week before Christmas 2016, Ingrid attended a routine mammogram and asked clinicians to check a small lump above her breast. A fine needle biopsy was performed and initially returned as a carcinoma of an unknown type. Further CT scans followed, and when the biopsy was retested, Ingrid received life‑changing news: she had metastatic melanoma with an unknown primary.
A Life‑Changing Diagnosis of Metastatic Melanoma
At the time, Ingrid was in her early fifties and had always considered herself healthy. She had no obvious symptoms and no history that suggested something serious was wrong. The diagnosis came as a complete shock.
Further investigations led to a full axillary lymph node dissection, during which 27 lymph nodes were removed. Seven were found to contain melanoma. Ingrid then underwent a month of radiation therapy to address any remaining cancer cells.
Disease Progression and Stage IV Melanoma
Seven months later, Ingrid was hospitalised again when her breast became swollen, red and painful. Doctors initially believed it was cellulitis and treated her with intravenous antibiotics. However, punch biopsies and a PET scan soon revealed that the melanoma had progressed to stage IV. Ingrid vividly remembers that the scan had “lit up like a Christmas tree.”
That same day, she began targeted therapy with Tafinlar and Mekinist (Taf/Mek). Within seven months of starting treatment, Ingrid reached NED (no evidence of disease). She considers herself fortunate to have experienced minimal side effects initially, allowing her to continue daily life while on treatment.
Ongoing Treatment and Brain Metastases
A few years later, Ingrid developed severe mouth ulcers. Her treatment schedule was adjusted to five days on and five days off instead of daily dosing. Shortly after, scans revealed that the melanoma had metastasised to her brain. Ingrid underwent Gamma Knife radiation, which reduced the tumour by about 50 percent. While it has not fully resolved, she continues to hope for further shrinkage at future scans.
Living with Metastatic Melanoma Today
Today, Ingrid remains on targeted therapy, now taken five days on and two days off, as her body continues to respond. She undergoes three‑monthly brain MRIs and CT scans, acknowledging that regular monitoring has become part of her life.
Beyond her diagnosis, Ingrid is most proud of her family. She is the mother of two beautiful children and feels deeply grateful that she was able to witness one of them get married. She now treasures her role as a grandmother to two gorgeous grandchildren, milestones that carry even greater meaning after her cancer journey.
Like many patients, Ingrid and her loved ones initially struggled with disbelief. Hospital visits, treatments and scans quickly became part of her routine, something entirely unfamiliar after a lifetime of good health.
Finding Strength in Melanoma Peer Support and Giving Back
Support has been essential, and Melanoma Patients Australia has played a significant role in Ingrid’s journey. She joined the MPA Facebook support group in 2017 and has now been involved with the organisation for nearly nine years. Today, Ingrid is a Support Group Facilitator for Brisbane, providing connection and understanding to others living with melanoma.
In reflecting on that role, Ingrid once shared that she sometimes feels “selfish” because helping others makes her feel good too. Another patient gently reframed it for her: “But you helped someone.” The reminder reflects the mutual strength found in shared experience.
Embracing Each Day with Melanoma
Melanoma has reshaped Ingrid’s perspective on life. She no longer takes any day for granted and finds joy in simply waking up and being able to do everyday things. Her personal mantra captures this outlook: “Stressing about the future will rob you of today’s joys.”
Ingrid strongly encourages anyone living with metastatic melanoma to make use of Melanoma Patients Australia’s services, describing their resources as thorough and deeply supportive. For her, some of the most meaningful moments come from sitting with others over a coffee at a support group meeting, talking openly and feeling understood, surrounded by “her tribe.”
By sharing her story, Ingrid hopes others will feel less alone and more empowered to seek support, connection and information. Her journey is one of resilience, gratitude and quiet strength, grounded in the belief that today is worth embracing fully.
Ingrid shared her story with Melanoma Patients Australia in April, 2026.
Melanoma Patient Stories: You are not Alone
Reading melanoma patient stories can remind you that you’re not alone. Sharing experiences of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery offers comfort, insight, and hope, helping you feel supported by a community that truly understands.
