My Melanoma Journey

This story will  be a surprise to many as I haven't had the courage to really speak out about my diagnosis. In May 2023, whilst on holiday, my daughter noticed an unusual mole on my lower back.  As soon as returned to the UK I went to the doctors and that's where is all started.  The mole was removed and confirmed as malignant and fast forward to May 2025 I was confirmed with Stage 4  Metastatic Melanoma.  Immunotherapy started in August 2025 and the colitis side effects were brutal for around 6 weeks.  In January 2026 I was able to continue with immunotherapy treatment after finishing a course of steroids, so far everything is ticking along.  I have an amazing family and  fabulous friends who really are an extension of my family; I wouldn't be where I am today without all their love and support.  I have learned over the past 6 months, more so recently when a friend was diagnosed with prostate cancer, that the best thing to do is talk about what you are going through; don't shut people out who want to be there for you.  You don't have to walk this path alone; you have nothing to be ashamed of.  Be positive and take each day at a time.  I feel sad that I cant look too far ahead to plan things, but i am determined to live my life and have fun with people I love, in the process.

I would say to everyone, never be complacent about skin cancer, it really is brutal if not caught early enough; if in doubt get it checked out.  I don't know what the future holds for me, but i am going to fight it every step of the way, and raising money to help raise awareness is something I intend to do.