Paitent Stories

Leah Adams

Surviving Melanoma: A Journey of Awareness and Advocacy

I always told myself “It’ll never happen to me”. Until October 14, 2019, when I received the call that totally turned my world upside down “You have stage IA melanoma”. My heart and stomach sank, and a wave of fear washed over me as I recalled my unhealthy skin and sun habits. At 26 years old, a routine skin check revealed more than I ever imagined I’d have to face. For weeks, I was consumed by a heavy fear that I’d never felt before.  

After four appointments, one surgery & one sentinel lymph node biopsy, I learned the melanoma was removed from my chest, and thankfully, tests showed it hadn’t spread to my organs. I count myself among the lucky ones who received good news and the cancer caught early through treatment. But despite the relief, this diagnosis has forever changed my life. It was difficult to hear, and even more difficult to think of all the things I could have done to prevent it.  

I can now say I’m a melanoma survivor, but the anxiety about it returning looms over me, as there’s a chance of skin cancer recurrence for the rest of my life. I don’t believe there’s anything to gain by keeping this experience to myself. We all face seasons of life like this – times that feel impossible, unbearable, or unfair. But they pass, leaving us with battle scars that will tell a story. Whether it’s melanoma or any type of cancer diagnosis, a diagnosis takes both a physical and emotional toll. 

I share my story to raise awareness and encourage everyone to go get checked at an annual skin check. Genetic testing revealed that both my father and grandfather had skin cancer, increasing the likelihood of recurrence for me. Since my diagnosis in 2019, I’ve had to undergo routine skin checks every three months, where at least 1 mole is removed from my body for additional testing. Each visit is anxiety-inducing, and I find myself reliving the fear and worry from October 2019 every single time.  

I never anticipated this journey, but skin cancer doesn’t discriminate. Moving forward, I use my story to remind others of the importance of caring for their skin – the body’s most vital organ. Our moles are unique and understanding them can increase early detection rates of skin cancer. Regular self-checks, self-awareness, and preventative measures are more crucial now more than ever. 

Always advocate for yourself – it can save your life. My skin check in 2019 saved mine. 

Follow Leah’s journey on Instagram @theleahalexis