Survivor’s Stories — Sandy Mohn
First of all, let me begin by telling you that the mere fact that I sit here typing “my melanoma story” still seems quite surreal. If only I knew then what I know now……If only!
My diagnosis came with a shocking phone call from my local dermatologist just after my 40th birthday. I had been seeing a dermatologist on a regular basis. I am fair skinned and I had a “ sun spot” removed 2 years prior to my diagnosis. That came back as a basil cell carcinoma, and I never thought anything of it. I continued sun-bathing here in Buffalo, NY, and “shelling” on some of my favorite beaches in Florida at least twice a year while on vacation.
Upon returning from Florida in 2007, I noticed a mole on my back was itching, and upon scratching, would occasionally break open and leave a small red spot on my white bath robe. Since I wasn’t due for another dermatologist appointment anytime soon, I called and made an appointment, explaining that I wanted to get a bothersome mole examined. After waiting about 6 weeks, I went in, still clueless as to what lie ahead. The doctor examined the mole, assured me it looked o.k., and was convinced it bled due to aggravation from the constant rubbing on my bra strap. The nurse reiterated the same, and the mole was removed. I walked out of that office that day without a clue as to what I was in for. Off to work I went, just another typical day.
I came home from work on a Friday afternoon, and had a message on the answering machine. It was my dermatologist’s office, and the message said that although they were closing for the weekend, it was important that I call my doctor first thing Monday morning. Now the wheels finally started turning in my head. Why would they have left this message? I was a little concerned, but still had no idea what a roller coaster ride I was about to embark upon.
When I returned the call on Monday morning, I was told that the biopsy came back as melanoma, and that I had a choice as far as follow-up went. They were referring me out to either Roswell Park Cancer Institute (a highly regarded local cancer institute) or Millard Fillmore Gates Circle (a local hospital) for a sentinel node biopsy (SNB) as well as a wide local excision. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing? My response was, “Roswell Park Cancer Institute??? Are you telling me this is worst-case scenario?” The doctors’ response was that this was a fairly deep melanoma, and follow-up with one of these 2 facilities was necessary. I chose my treatment at Millard Fillmore because I really didn’t think much more would come of this and I wasn’t ready to walk into a cancer institution.
It was there I underwent the SNB. 5 lymph nodes were taken from under my arms; 2 from the left side and 3 from the right. Shock struck once again when I learned that 1 of the 5 nodes was found to have micro-metastasis. That put me at Stage IIIC. It was at this point that I decided to go to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
A total lymph node dissection was performed under my right axilla. 30 nodes were removed and all tested negative. Phew…..I saw a flash of light at the end of this unexpected tunnel ~ or so I thought. I was offered Interferon as a precautionary treatment but declined and went with the “wait and see” approach. This meant C-Scans every 2-3 months. After the first scan, I was asked if I had a cold or any allergies. No, I felt fine! They were asking because the scan showed quite a few tiny spots in my lungs. Even though I was told this could be caused by any number of things, I started to research. I had a gut feeling that it was indeed melanoma. I had no cough, no cold and no allergies.
It was at that point that I found my friend Jane on Operation Sun Shield. Jane was a calming influence and re-assured me that everything would be o.k. more times than I can count! It was at this point of the journey that I started implementing diet changes and made an appointment with a very reputable iridologist. I also fell asleep listening to Louise Hay on almost a nightly basis. She provided me the piece of mind that for me was so hard to find.
2 months later, and time for re-scans. Now it was confirmed. The spots in my lungs had become more numerous and some had grown in size. This took me to Stage IV and took me to the next treatment option – Interleukin II (IL-2). Again, Jane was there for me during each round. I was lucky in that the first couple of rounds the side effects were quite manageable. Jane’s tip sheet was always in my nightstand, and her telephone number always speed dialed on my cell phone.
After completing 3 rounds (6 weeks) of IL-2, I was told I was a partial responder. There were a few spots in both lungs that remained. That was very hard news to comprehend. The journey continued…… My oncologist suggested a clinical trial that was sponsored by IMClone being offered at Roswell Park. After a few months of contemplating, I decided to participate and I have been on this trial for the past 7 months. It involves treatments every three weeks. The side effects are very manageable, and I’ve been stable for the past 7 months. I am back working part-time, raising 2 adorable young daughters, and taking life as it comes; one day at a time.
It is my strong belief that there are many solutions to this puzzle called melanoma. For me, it’s been a package deal that includes, in no particular order:
- Faith
- Amazing Oncologist
- Knowledge
- Informational Web Sites – MPIP and OSS
- IL-2
- ImClone Clinical Trial
- Iridology
- appointments and consults
- Diet changes
- Vitamins/Supplements/Herbs
- Exercise
- Attitude – Positive Thinking
- Support of Friends/Family
- Yoga
- Staying Active
The bottom line is that cancer CAN be beat. The words “cancer” and “stage IV” are merely that….words! Understand that the statistics might be difficult to comprehend but we are all each our own statistic. Who’s to say that we can’t “manage” cancer, like we “manage” diabetes or high blood pressure? With over 2 years under my belt, I remain symptom free and have plenty of energy on a day-to-day basis. In fact I have more energy as of late than I did prior to being diagnosed.
Without Jane, I’m not sure I would be where I’m at today. I believe we all need the support of somebody who’s “been there, done that” and emerged victorious. My goal here is to support others, as Jane supported me, through the good and bad that come with a melanoma diagnosis. And yes, for me personally there truly IS good that has come from it,. The perspective I have on life has done a 360. The little things in life are now more precious, and I give thanks for each new day. The people who have come into my life, due to this diagnosis, are people I most likely would not have otherwise met, and amazing people they are.
Being here, on Operation Sun Shield, is one way for me to “Pay it Forward” and pass along the knowledge that I’ve gained along the way. I’m honored to be here with Jane, reaching out to those who are starting down a tough but do-able road.
Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.
- Doug Larson
One of the most sublime experiences we can ever have is to wake up feeling healthy after we have been sick.
- Rabbi Harold Kushner
From the bitterness of disease man learns the sweetness of health.
- Catalan Proverb