Survivor Stories

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 idea of not being around to see my kids grow up and watch my husband grow old seems incredibly sad and actually makes me feel incredibly angry sometimes. I’ve never thought “why me” but I have felt extremely ripped off at times.

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.

A punch biopsy was completed to confirm my melanoma diagnosis. The only time the kids have ever been quiet is when I got that dreaded result!

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 didn’t take it too serious when I was 19, no-one did - so I assumed it wasn’t too much to worry about. But I sure took notice when it landed on my brain!

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

My life could never be as innocent or uncomplicated as it was before the diagnosis, which I think is a fear common to any cancer survivor.

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