Paitent Stories

Candice Mason

My Full Circle Moment with Melanoma

Someone once asked me what my greatest fears were, to which I replied, “cancer, surgery on a major organ, and death.”  So far, I’ve survived all three.  I was diagnosed with superficial spreading melanoma in 2017 on my nasal wall.  After a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy revealed micrometastasis to a nearby lymph node my cancer diagnosis slowly started creeping up through the cancer staging process.  My original stage I diagnosis quickly advanced to stage IIIa.  Thanks to my newly upgraded stage, I became a candidate for a clinical trial and my first chance at immunotherapy.  After about six months of Opdivo coupled with treatment side effects, my scans were clean and I was deemed cancer free.  But I never quite felt 100%.

Just two years later, after many insurance denials and one car accident, a CT scan in 2019 revealed metastatic disease in my lung with lesions on my spleen and pelvic wall. Then came the headaches while searching for a surgeon to remove the melanoma from my lung. My oncologist ordered a brain MRI that shockingly showed three tumors on one of the most important body organs known to all.  No wonder I was having pulsating headaches that were untouched by ibuprofen or sleep.  Priorities shifted quickly from lung surgery to an emergent double craniotomy, whole brain radiation and dual immunotherapy, this time with Opdivo and Yervoy.  Now as a stage IV cancer patient, everything had to be timed right. From receiving my immunotherapy before and after surgery, mask fittings, more scans and high dose targeted brain radiation. This time my body would be pushed to the limits and I would have to persevere through any side effects that included, learning to walk again, stomach issues, itchy skin, rashes, brain necrosis, clinical steroid usage and my first ever seizure.  I’m so thankful I survived all of that to be here today.

Through my melanoma journey, I’ve realized skin cancer is an all inclusive global problem that many choose to overlook.  Even the U.S. state I live in.  Skin cancer, especially melanoma, is not something you can always cut out and be fine.  Melanoma tried to break me, but instead, it gave me the greatest gift of all, advocacy.  By working with various local, state, national and international organizations and companies with the same interests at heart, detecting and eradicating skin cancer, I get the opportunity to educate people and debunk myths surrounding skin cancer.  But there is nothing like telling your story and those of others, even those who did not survive melanoma, to drive home the importance of access to quality healthcare for any disease to invoke change with lawmakers.

My journey has also taught me the importance of prioritizing your health. Today, make self-care a part of your everyday routine. Whether it’s applying sunscreen, scheduling a health check-up, or simply taking a walk, prioritize yourself and your well-being. Remember, self-care is not just a one-day event but a lifelong commitment to your health and happiness.

Follow Candice’s journey @melanoma_blows on Instagram.