Managing Melanoma in a Regional Town

Sue had previously noted a scaly spot on her face and discussed skin checks with her GP. She was referred on to a different practitioner with an eye for skin changes, but felt in no rush to make the appointment. It was when she noticed a mole on her back, that had been there for many years, had grown and become itchy, that she realised she should get it checked out.  

The timing for the discovery of the suspicious spot was far from ideal. Sue had plans for a ‘girls’ trip to Brisbane’ just days away. She was also planning an international holiday to the UK – one she had already had to postpone during the pandemic. At this point she didn’t yet feel rushed or overly concerned. Her doctor however wanted it removed immediately. A week later, she returned to have the stitches removed and receive the pathology results – “It was melanoma.” 

What followed happened quickly. Within hours, referrals were made, appointments arranged and scans ordered. An urgent PET scan – something she later learned can often take weeks to secure – was booked for the following Monday. By Thursday, she had her diagnosis, an aggressive nodular melanoma that had metastasised to lymph nodes under her left arm.  

“I will say the next week or so is a bit of a blur.” 

Sue now found herself on a melanoma cancer journey she had not expected. Along with the initial overwhelm of medical information, she was devastated to again be cancelling her long-awaited trip. “I now think perhaps that particular trip is jinxed,” she says with a hint of humour. The sense of urgency and concern replaced disappointment, and Sue shifted her focus to the important next steps.  

Treatment began almost immediately. Sue was referred to a Brisbane-based oncologist who visits Bundaberg weekly. After a telehealth consultation, she commenced immunotherapy the next day. Treatments continued every three weeks in cycles and had to be carefully considered in terms of Sue’s preexisting autoimmune condition, Lupus.  

“One thing I can say, in talking to all my doctors and medical people, is that they had nothing but good things to say about immunotherapy. They were in awe of what it can do. Hearing that gave me reassurance.” 

Further assessment confirmed Stage 3C melanoma, and Sue was referred to a reconstructive surgeon in Brisbane for a wide local excision and lymph node surgery. Travelling from Bundaberg to Brisbane meant navigating appointments, accommodation and time away from home. 

“When you have to travel and stay over in the city because of appointment times, it becomes quite expensive. This is at a time when some people may not be able to earn as much due to their health. It’s a bit like a double whammy.” 

Sue highlights the importance of understanding and support from those around melanoma patients. After fifteen years working as an accountant in the legal sector, she was grateful for the flexibility her employers afforded her. Sue also drew comfort from her niece, who attended appointments with her and offered support, noting it’s great to have ‘another pair of ears’ when listening to medical professionals conveying information.  

Despite the added logistics of living in a regional area, Sue remains pragmatic about regional care. She does however mention there are some limitations, such as fewer treatment centres, less access to clinical trials, little choice for clinicians, and shorter appointment windows with specialists. 

“But everyone was so fantastic,” Sue reiterates several times, before expressing a few common frustrations, such as limited time spent with Oncologists who were overstretched with patients, and the lack of information provided during the earlier period of her diagnosis. She says she understands why, given the tight schedules for travelling specialists.  

“I had to learn to write all my questions down in my phone, because I might only get a three-minute time slot with the oncologist to ask everything I wanted to know. It often felt a bit rushed, especially when trying to take in complex information.” 

Sue became accustomed to finding information and support on her own. She spoke with others in her network who had experienced melanoma and had positive outcomes from immunotherapy. She looked for information online, and was particularly buoyed by the high-profile media around joint Australians of the Year, Professors Long and Scolyer who had worked to revolutionise immunotherapy – improving recovery rates for metastatic melanomas. It made her feel like she had been provided with the right path.  

Sue’s surgery took place at the end of June 2024, and the recovery, particularly from the lymph node removal, was difficult. Immunotherapy then resumed until April 2025. This combination of surgical and drug-based treatments, offering Sue a high standard of care, but not without challenges.  

“The fatigue was the hardest part. It’s unlike any fatigue you could really describe. It still hangs on.” Living with Lupus also meant joint pain was intensified.  

Remarkably, Sue continued working throughout her illness. With the flexibility to work from home, she found a rhythm that suited her energy levels. “I am very lucky to have the ability to work from home when needed.” 

Sue connected with people in her community and with Melanoma Patients Australia through Facebook and joined closed support groups, video calls and the occasional seminar through the Peer-to-Peer Support Program. She found comfort in speaking to others who had undergone immunotherapy. “It was positive reinforcement for me, to hear of the success stories. Also, when someone was going through a harder time than I was, I felt very fortunate.” 

This optimistic nature greatly helped Sue to maintain a focus on recovery. Despite this, she acknowledges the emotional and physical weight of the journey.  

“What I would say to new patients is this…initially it’s scary as hell, but trust in the medicine. It can really work. There is a good amount of hope.” 

While Sue remained pragmatic during her treatment, this does not mean the journey was easy. Sue mentions that at times there were struggles and “many tears”. This is the reality of the ups and downs of living with a melanoma diagnosis that can impact not only physical health, but also emotional, financial and social aspects of life. “There will be hard days, but it might help to know that others have made it through.” 

In April 2025, Sue completed 12-months of immunotherapy. Her scans are now melanoma-free and she is in remission. She undergoes checks every six months and continues to build strength. 

“I’m healthy and I feel mostly good, just a little slower now.” 

Reflecting on her experience, Sue remains deeply grateful for detection, swift referrals, effective treatment and the support she found along the way.  

Her advice to others is grounded and practical: seek information, ask questions (write them down so you will remember), connect with people who understand, and always hold hope. 

So, what’s next for Sue? Travel of course. After multiple postponed trips, we are pleased to report that Sue will be off to Canada this year. She looks forward to seeing Lake Louise shining blue. Melanoma Patients Australia wishes her safe travels and a happy onward journey, and thanks her for sharing this inspiring story of recovery and hope.