Patient Stories

Eric had pain in his back (above the waist) and we thought he had developed another kidney stone. Following an ultrasound, the Dr told us that there was a mass on Eric’s adrenal gland and that he wanted Eric to have a chest x-ray and a brain scan. As soon as I heard this I just knew that it was cancer.

I was 34 weeks pregnant when the surgeon told me the results. It was melanoma. When he told me I had cancer, my entire world felt apart. I was pregnant and had a 17 month old son, I was terrified I wouldn’t see my children grow.

I underwent full body CT scan while in hospital to be told by the registrar that rest of the body was clear of tumours. Yippee. Two days later I was told that this diagnosis was wrong and there were tumours in my lungs and suspicious spots on top of the adrenal glands and in the lymph nodes on the left side of my neck and a need for a future PET scan.

I had my first Melanoma in my late 20’s. I had been cleared by a Mole scan clinic but had a gut feeling one wasn’t right so went to my GP to have it removed. It came back level 1 in situ Melanoma. I remember fainting and thinking I was going to die like Mum. After that removal I had multiple excisions which were benign or dysplastic.

The lesson I’ve learned from this diagnosis is to stand up for yourself, ask questions. And if you’re still not satisfied ask for an explanation, get a second opinion! Write everything down and keep copies of all your results.

I had my first surgery when I was 32 weeks pregnant. This was one of the hardest surgeries I went through because I was so worried about my unborn baby.

Although upset and terrified of the sun I just got on with life, however the diagnosis was always in the back of my mind.

I accepted melanoma quickly and didn't allow it to dominate my life. This diagnosis has actually helped me live lighter and not take on stresses and anxieties as readily.

A challenging issue for my family and friends is that although I'm on treatment I look fit and well. But they don't see me on my bad days.

I have been living the life of a melanoma survivor since I was 25, when my first melanoma was removed.

My operation was on a Wednesday, I went in with two eyes and came out a few hours later minus a large tumour.

It was an emotional and confronting time to be diagnosed with a high risk melanoma after being told the lesion was a BCC for 18 months prior.