Finding Hope Through Stage IV Melanoma: Carmel’s 10 Year Journey

A major source of support throughout Carmel’s melanoma journey has been Melanoma Patients Australia (MPA).

From free telephone counselling and support services to online and face-to-face support groups, MPA provided both practical information and emotional support when she needed it most.

Beyond the resources, Carmel found something equally important: connection.

“So many lifelong friendships have been formed through Melanoma Patients Australia. It’s great to support one another. The MPA community is there to help and support.”

The shared experiences, understanding, and knowledge within the melanoma community helped Carmel feel less alone and gave her hope during difficult periods of treatment and recovery.

Following her Stage III melanoma diagnosis, Carmel underwent a neck dissection in 2017 as part of her treatment plan.

In 2018, doctors discovered the melanoma may have spread to her lungs, advancing her diagnosis to Stage IV melanoma.

To treat the disease, Carmel began targeted therapy with Tafinlar® (dabrafenib) and Mekinist® (trametinib).

While the treatment was effective, it came with challenges.

“I suffered many fevers and rigors during treatment.”

Despite these side effects, the results were remarkable. Just three months later, scans showed no evidence of disease.

“By the next scan, three months later, I was clear again.”

For Carmel, the treatment experience was challenging but manageable.

“It was nothing like traditional chemotherapy, much gentler.”

Throughout her melanoma journey, one very special companion has remained by her side: her beloved Groodle, Roughy.

Named after former Hawthorn Football Club player Jarrod Roughead, Roughy became much more than a pet, he became part of Carmel’s healing journey.

Together, they trained as a therapy dog team while Carmel continued working as a school teacher.

“He has been by my side all these years. We became a therapy dog team and he would come and work with me at school.”

In 2021, the family welcomed a second dog, Cyril, also named after a Hawthorn great, Cyril Rioli.

These loyal companions brought comfort, purpose, and joy during some of life’s most difficult moments.

In 2022, Carmel faced another unexpected challenge.

Doctors discovered a brain tumour in the occipital lobe, the area of the brain responsible for vision, and she underwent emergency surgery.

Thankfully, the operation was successful.

The only lasting effect was partial peripheral vision loss in both eyes.

“Not being legally able to drive anymore is challenging, but it’s a small price to pay.”

Rather than focusing on what she had lost, Carmel adapted.

Unable to continue classroom teaching in the same way, she pivoted her career and established her own teaching and tutoring business from home.

And, of course, Roughy came along for the journey.

“Roughy works with me in that venture and we really enjoy it.”

Throughout her melanoma experience, Carmel has been surrounded by remarkable people.

She credits her husband as one of her greatest supporters.

“My husband has cared for me relentlessly and I can’t thank him enough. He is the best human I know.”

She is equally grateful to her friend Anne, who first introduced her to Melanoma Patients Australia during her most difficult period.

“Anne found MPA for me in the beginning, during my darkest days, and has been there ever since.”

Alongside her family and many close friends, these relationships have helped Carmel navigate every challenge that melanoma has presented.

In 2024, a routine MRI identified an area of concern.

As a precaution, Carmel underwent Gamma Knife treatment before starting immunotherapy.

While beginning immunotherapy was not an easy decision, she took the time to learn about her options and carefully considered her next steps.

Fortunately, side effects were relatively limited.

Initially, she experienced itching and later developed a severe headache that lasted for two weeks.

The cause was eventually identified during a telehealth appointment with her specialist.

Blood tests revealed extremely low cortisol levels, likely caused by immunotherapy affecting her pituitary gland.

Once she began taking hydrocortisone replacement therapy, her symptoms quickly improved.

“The headache was gone. That’s all it took.”

Today, Carmel continues to manage her health and remains grateful for the treatment options available.

Ten years after her initial melanoma diagnosis, Carmel wants others living with melanoma to know that there is hope.

Her journey has included surgery, targeted therapy, a brain tumour, immunotherapy, uncertainty, setbacks, and countless challenges. Yet through it all, she has continued to move forward.

“This is not an easy journey at all. You have to live alongside what is happening.”

Her advice to others is simple:

Focus on the people you love. Spend time doing the things that bring you joy. Take each day as it comes and look toward the future.

“When it gets hard, think of all those you love and all that you have to look forward to. It does get easier.”

Looking back on her experience, Carmel remains deeply thankful for the support she has received from Melanoma Patients Australia.

“Thanks a million, MPA. You are a very large part of my story. Your support has been integral to helping me cope through all this and I am forever grateful.”

Her story is a powerful reminder that while melanoma can dramatically change the course of life, hope, community, medical advances, and the support of others can make an extraordinary difference.

Carmel shared her story in June 2026. Melanoma Patients Australia thanks Carmel for generously sharing her melanoma experience. We acknowledge the challenges faced by all Australians affected by melanoma and the strength shown by patients, carers and families every day.

If this story has raised questions or you are seeking support, contact the National Melanoma Support Line on 1300 884 450.