Paitent Stories

Shelley Belanger

Journey with Mucosal Melanoma

My name is Shelley, and I am a resident of Ontario, where I live with my loving spouse and our cherished dog. I am also a proud mother to two wonderful daughters, both happily married, and a grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren.

My health journey began in the mid-90s when I was diagnosed with HPV in my mid-30s, which I managed with a year of medical treatment. However, my challenges didn’t end there. In the years that followed,  regular checks revealed precancerous cells, but thankfully, they eventually ceased to appear.

In 2013, what I thought was a routine yeast infection led to a discovery that changed my life. A visit to the emergency room for a prescription uncovered a black mole on my labia, which was diagnosed as mucosal melanoma in-situ after surgical removal. The emotional toll was immense, especially as I tried to keep  a brave face for my young granddaughter, who was with me at the time.

Following the diagnosis, I went through multiple surgeries to ensure clear margins and endured painful treatments with a topical imiquimod cream, Zyclara, which caused severe discomfort. I had  to use a peri bottle just to ease the pain when urinating. Despite all efforts, the melanoma  returned, leading to more surgeries and constant monitoring.

In September 2021, after being declared disease-free, a routine check-up found a suspicious spot, and my battle with melanoma was reignited. The diagnosis was nodular melanoma,  which is aggressive and rare. The emotional and physical strain during this time led to severe weight loss and I had to take medication for both anxiety and acid reflux.

Despite the financial burdens and the impact on my ability to work, I continue to fight. My treatment journey now includes Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy drug, though I face challenges with insurance coverage. The stress of constant re-examinations and uncertainty around future surgeries, due to medical system backlogs, weighs heavily on me.

Through all of this, I found solace and support from Melanoma Canada, particularly through the Mucosal Melanoma Facebook Group. This community has been a beacon of hope and a source of valuable information, constantly reminding me that I am not alone in this fight.

Now, my goal is not only to survive but to thrive, and support others going through similar experiences. I am committed to raising awareness about mucosal melanoma and advocating for better medical understanding and treatment options. Despite the many hardships, I hold onto hope for a future where this disease can be effectively managed, or even cured. I want my story to inspire and support others facing similar journeys.