Amy Nichole’s Melanoma Journey: From Scar to Strength

Hi, I’m Amy Nichole, a portrait and landscape photographer, content creator for our travel page Adventure Our Life, and proud dog mom to my sweet girl, Roxy. While I’m passionate about capturing the world’s beauty, I’m just as devoted to sharing my experience with melanoma and skin health. My goal is simple: help others stay safe, informed, and empowered and yes, I’m a big believer in skincare and SPF. 

Where It All Began 

My story starts early. I was only eight years old when I got a severe sunburn that left a permanent mark on my skin. It was brushed off at the time, but I never forgot it. As I got older, tanning was everywhere in ads, in magazines, in culture. Despite my fair complexion, I gave in to the pressure. Slowly, I started noticing dark spots all over my right arm. New moles appeared. My skin began to change in ways that didn’t feel right. 

Eventually, I was diagnosed with Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome, a condition that requires regular skin checks and lifelong monitoring. It was my first real lesson in listening to my body. 

The First Melanoma 

In June 2016, just one month after I turned 28, I noticed a spot changing on my upper right chest. Something in me said, “Get this checked.” I listened to that voice and I’m so glad I did. The biopsy confirmed Stage 1B melanoma. That moment changed everything. 

The Battles That Followed 

In 2019, I was diagnosed with two more melanomas, just months apart, located inches away from each other on my right arm. Once again, trusting my instincts and staying proactive made all the difference. 

In 2022, life threw me another curveball: cervical cancer. I had surgery, and while it was successful, I remain closely monitored due to rare cancer markers. It’s a reminder that awareness isn’t just about skin it’s about your whole body. 

Then came May 2023. A fourth melanoma appeared, this time within the sunburn-shaped area on my arm that started everything. Thanks to routine monitoring, it was caught at Stage 0 the earliest and most treatable stage. Early detection truly saves lives. 

What I’ve Learned (And What I Want You to Know) 

Whether I’m behind the lens, out adventuring with Roxy, or planning our next trip, skin health is always on my mind. Here are a few things I’ve learned that could save your life, too: 

• Know your skin. Take photos. Track changes. 

• Speak up. You know your body better than anyone. 

• Use SPF daily. Rain or shine it matters more than you think. 

• Get checked. Skin exams aren’t optional. They’re lifesaving. 

My Mission 

Whether through a photo, a story, or a sun-safety post, my mission is clear: 

Educate. Empower. Protect. 

Your scars don’t define you they strengthen you. And if my journey helps even one person catch something early, then it’s worth every word. 

“From scar to strength, like a butterfly – melanoma didn’t end me, it transformed me.”