Allison’s Story

Throughout Melanoma Awareness Month, the MRF is sharing the stories of patients who have caught their melanoma through skin checks and eye exams. This is why it’s important for everyone to #GetNaked and #EyeGetDilated, it may save your life.  Head back to the MRF’s main page to read other patient stories in the coming weeks.

Growing up in Massachusetts, I never wore sunscreen in high school, unless my parents told me to. I went tanning before proms because tan was supposedly beautiful. A typical teen, I never thought twice about sun safety and neither did my peers. It wasn’t until college, when I saw changes in my moles, that I realized I needed to be smart about my skin.

I tried to schedule an appointment with my dermatologist, but the earliest they could see me was eight months later. When the appointment came, I was running late and they said that I’d need to reschedule for their earliest opening, which was in four months. I took matters into my own hands. A month later, during my physical I voiced my concerns about my moles. My primary care doctor expedited the biopsy process to take place while I was home for winter break.

I had a biopsy above my left knee and on my left calf. A few days later, I went back to school to start spring semester. I was walking to class and received the call – I had melanoma. I was 21 years old, a junior in college, in a five day-old relationship and had to get to class. How could I have melanoma? I look back on that moment and realize how terrifying it was to not have answers about my future.

Over the next few weeks, I soaked up every normal college moment, hung out with friends, studied for tests, went on dates with my boyfriend before traveling to Boston for my surgery. In total, I had three sites of melanoma on my left leg and needed two lymphadenectomies. I spent the next month in a wheelchair and awaited next steps from my oncologist.

“Early detection and being an advocate for my own health saved my life.“

The time came for me to get my results. I sat anxious, numb, but prepared for the worst. My oncologist looked at all of my incisions and told me I was very lucky. Because I caught my melanoma early, I didn’t need further treatment, but she recommended annual tests and routine skin checks.

It’s so important for people to conduct routine skin checks, even after you’ve been treated for melanoma. Since my diagnosis, I visit my doctor for skin checks every three to six months and I’ve had two clean biopsies.

Right now I may have no evidence of disease, but that doesn’t mean it will always be the case. Before I was diagnosed with melanoma, I knew very little about it. Now? I tell everyone I know to check their skin and visit their dermatologist. I always carry sunscreen with me and encourage others to redefine society’s standard of tan being beautiful.

I look back on the moment seven years ago, when I was diagnosed, I have so much gratitude because I’m still here. I’ve graduated college, rescued a dog, got my first job and married the most incredible man (yes, he is the guy who was dating me when I was first diagnosed). I’ve been able to experience the big moments and the little ones with the people that matter most, all of which would not have been possible had my melanoma not been detected early.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, but if caught early, the survival rate can be 90 percent. The Melanoma Research Foundation and the #GetNaked campaign help bring attention to skin checks and save lives. That’s why I support the Melanoma Research Foundation, and why you should too.