Madison, a 28-year-old physician assistant from Kalamazoo, MI, was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma, a kind of skin cancer. She discovered a lump on her left upper arm in the spring of 2023, but didn’t have it examined until a dermatology appointment later that summer. Because she and her doctor initially believed it to be a benign tumor, she agreed to wait until after her wedding and honeymoon for an excision. However, in October 2023, her doctors diagnosed metastatic melanoma.

When she was 18, doctors had previously biopsied a suspicious mole on Madison’s left forearm, and incorrectly diagnosed it as non-cancerous. Her modern-day medical team reviewed her past medical records, and discovered that the mole was actually cancerous and should have been fully excised. This delayed diagnosis allowed the melanoma to potentially metastasize, a known risk of melanoma reoccurring years after the initial diagnosis.

Following her melanoma diagnosis, Madison underwent a PET scan that showed no signs of disease elsewhere, which was reassuring. She opted for surgery at the primary and metastatic site and continued with regular scans. In March 2024, however, Madison found another lump on her right back. Subsequent scans revealed a brain tumor in the right temporal lobe and additional subcutaneous tumors in her back and hip, leading to her stage 4 diagnosis.

Madison began dual-agent immunotherapy (Opdivo [nivolumab] and Yervoy [ipilimumab]) in April 2024. She tolerated her first session well, but after the second, she experienced severe side effects, including high fevers and a rapid heart rate. She went to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, a potential side effect of immunotherapy. While hospitalized, her liver enzymes spiked, leading to suspicion of cytokine release syndrome—a rare but serious complication. Eventually, after an infusion, her liver enzymes stabilized, and she continued to taper off steroids.

Despite the challenges, Madison’s latest scans in July showed no evidence of disease in her body. Her brain tumor had shrunk by half, though she still faces the decision to proceed with radiation therapy. She remains realistic but hopeful, acknowledging the slim chances of further shrinkage without radiation. Madison’s outlook has been positive, driven by her innate optimism and belief in holistic approaches to health, though she recognizes the importance of conventional treatments when necessary.

Throughout her journey, Madison emphasizes the importance of second opinions in cancer treatment, as they can provide different perspectives on treatment options. She encourages others to trust their instincts, be advocates for their health, and take care of their bodies. Her message is clear: listen to your body, seek multiple opinions, and prioritize your well-being above all else.