Paitent Stories

Gary

Gary’s Acral Melanoma Journey

Diagnosed with Advanced Acral Melanoma

Throughout his life, Gary has always played sports and been very active. One day he noticed a black streak on his fingernail that would often bleed, especially when playing hockey. After nine months and seven doctors’ visits of being told that the finger would heal naturally, Gary insisted that he be referred to a specialist. In December 2009 Gary was diagnosed with Acral Melanoma. After waiting two months for surgery, Gary’s nail was removed and replaced with a skin graft, followed by a five-month course of daily Interferon which resulted in flu-like symptoms after each treatment. Gary then underwent three months of radiation in the arm yielding no clinical benefit. After testing his lymph nodes, Gary was then told that melanoma was found in the armpit and was referred to Princess Margret Hospital for another biopsy where melanoma was then found in the lungs.

Gary was given a grim prognosis that he would have six months to a year to live but kept this information to himself as not to scare his wife and children. Despite the prognosis, Dr. Hogg shared the options for a clinical trial of combination therapy to which Gary agreed. Over the course of ten months Gary received updates on the status of response that the tumors were shrinking. Then after receiving a complete response Gary’s healthcare team concluded that treatment could conclude. After treatment, Gary felt uncomfortable with the scar on his arm and would often keep it covered until one day on a vacation he uncovered the scar and has not looked back since!

Throughout his melanoma journey Gary received 30 CAT scans, radiation, surgeries, and immunotherapy but he consistently stayed clear of doing any extra research to avoid negatively impacting his mindset. Throughout it all Gary also never abandoned his spirituality or exercise and healthy eating regime.

Now retired and enjoying life with his family, Gary has a few key messages for other patients. Gary maintains that staying away from negative research and upholding his spiritual beliefs as well as his highly active lifestyle and healthy eating habits are what got him through this journey. Gary also believes that the body, mind, and spirit need to be well connected to fight cancer.