Tag: stage 4

Redefining Life After Stage 4B Hodgkin Lymphoma: Dilan’s Story

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date April 7, 2025
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April 7, 2025

How Stage 4B Hodgkin Lymphoma has Helped Redefine Dilan’s Life

Dilan was living a happy life with his wife and young daughter when he received news that turned his world upside down. In March 2015 — ironically, on his 25th birthday — he was diagnosed with stage 4B Hodgkin lymphoma. What started as night sweats, intense fatigue, itchy skin, and lumps on his neck and in his armpit soon led to a life-altering visit to the doctor. That’s when he first saw the words “cancer referral form” linked to his name.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Dilan’s diagnosis touched off a whirlwind of tests — blood work, biopsies, and scans — leading to the confirmation of stage 4B Hodgkin lymphoma, the cancer having already spread to his lungs. But the physical symptoms weren’t the hardest part. The psychological weight of it all was what overwhelmed him. Dilan recalls the deafening silence after hearing the word “cancer,” a moment filled with blank thoughts and creeping fears about mortality, identity, and purpose.

Chemotherapy became Dilan’s primary treatment, stretched over six grueling months. The side effects were brutal. Hair loss hit the hardest — he lost everything from his head hair to his eyelashes, eyebrows, and body hair, too. It wasn’t just about appearance; it felt like losing a part of who he was. His confidence plummeted, and it took a toll on his mental health. Once outgoing, he began hiding behind hats and sunglasses, avoiding social interactions. It wasn’t vanity; it was grappling with an identity that felt stripped bare.

Yet amidst his stage 4B Hodgkin lymphoma experience, Dilan discovered resilience. He turned inward, embracing meditation, breathwork, and journaling, practices that he continues today. He rekindled his old love for sketching and found solace in simple creative acts. These mental health tools anchored him during moments of anxiety, especially when he faced fears of recurrence.

Dilan’s treatment was successful; his stage 4B Hodgkin lymphoma is now in remission. But his story isn’t just about surviving cancer — it’s about redefining life beyond diagnosis. He candidly admits that cancer, paradoxically, became a catalyst for transformation. It taught him to value life, cherish small moments, and live authentically. His message is clear: cancer doesn’t have to overshadow your existence. It can be a reminder of life’s fragility and the strength within us all.

Watch the video to learn from Dilan about:

How he found strength in unexpected places after his cancer diagnosis.
What to do when hair loss feels like losing a piece of yourself.
His powerful reflections on going from diagnosis on his birthday to redefining life.
How cancer, strangely enough, changed his life for the better.

Name:
- Dilan P.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 25
Diagnosis:
- Hodgkin Lymphoma
Staging:
- Stage 4B
Symptoms:
- Night sweats
- Appearance of lumps on the neck and in the armpit
- Severe itching
- Fatigue
Treatment:
- Chemotherapy

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Dilan!

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Young Mom Melanie’s Stage 4 Nasal Squamous Cell Cancer

Post author By Katrina Villareal
Post date April 7, 2025
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April 7, 2025

Facing Cancer as a Young Mom: Melanie’s Stage 4 Nasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Story

Despite the excitement of expecting her first child, Melanie faced a life-altering diagnosis at 30 weeks pregnant: nasal squamous cell carcinoma. Her symptoms began subtly, with nosebleeds, sinus pressure, and congestion, all of which she attributed to pregnancy. However, when Melanie’s left eye started to protrude, she sought medical attention. An ENT attempted to examine her nasal cavity but found a mass blocking the scope. Urged to seek emergency care, she underwent an MRI and biopsy, confirming the presence of cancer.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

The stage 4 nasal squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis brought overwhelming fear and uncertainty. Melanie worried about being there for her child and the possibility of someone else raising her. She had to make treatment decisions quickly. Because the tumor had grown into critical areas, immediate surgery was not an option. Instead, doctors recommended chemotherapy, which she would begin after giving birth. Melanie’s hopes for a natural birth shifted when complications led to an emergency C-section. The moment her daughter was born brought a mix of relief and profound love. She held her baby for a day before beginning chemotherapy in the hospital.

Chemotherapy provided initial success, shrinking the tumor in her nasal cavity and allowing Melanie to breathe more easily. However, the tumor in her eye orbit remained unchanged due to poor blood flow in that area. With no clear margins for radiation, doctors advised surgical removal of her left eye and surrounding structures before proceeding with further treatment. The first surgery replaced lost tissue using a skin flap from her arm, followed by radiation therapy. Radiation, unexpectedly, was more physically challenging than chemotherapy, leaving her exhausted and struggling to eat. Despite this, she avoided a feeding tube and completed treatment.

Beyond the physical toll, cancer reshaped Melanie’s mental and emotional well-being. The loss of breastfeeding and the shift in parental roles meant that her husband had to take on responsibilities that they hadn’t anticipated. He became the primary caregiver, ensuring she had the rest needed for recovery. Melanie found solace in therapy, initially struggling to connect with traditional therapists who lacked medical experience. A hospital-based therapist and support groups provided better understanding, though finding peers in similar circumstances proved difficult due to her young age.

Motherhood took an unexpected form, but Melanie embraced every moment with gratitude. Nasal squamous cell carcinoma altered her body, but she is focused on regaining strength and adjusting to her new normal. Regular check-ups and hyperbaric oxygen therapy support her ongoing healing. Though life will be different, Melanie remains hopeful, emphasizing that even in the darkest moments, happiness can be found. Her experience underscores the importance of mental health support, a strong community, and finding purpose beyond the diagnosis.

Name: Melanie S.
Diagnosis:
- Nasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Staging:
- Stage 4
Mutation:
- p16 positive (HPV-related)
Symptoms:
- Nosebleeds
- Sinus pressure
- Congestion
- Eye protrusion
Treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Surgeries: orbital exenteration (left eye removal) & reconstructive flap surgery
- Radiation therapy: external beam radiation therapy & proton therapy
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Melanie!

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Stage 4 Mediastinal Paraganglioma Can’t Stop Jonathan

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date April 7, 2025
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April 7, 2025

Stage 4 Mediastinal Paraganglioma Can’t Stop Jonathan from Living His Life

Jonathan has stage 4 mediastinal paraganglioma, a rare neuroendocrine cancer. His experience is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of living fully, even with metastatic cancer. A dedicated lung transplant nurse practitioner, devoted husband, and proud father, he never let his diagnosis define him. Instead, he’s turned it into a mission to inspire, educate, and give back.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

In 2021, while training for the Ironman World Championships, Jonathan started experiencing troubling symptoms — shortness of breath, facial swelling, and dizzy spells. As an experienced healthcare professional, he suspected something serious. A trip to the emergency room confirmed his fears: stage 4 mediastinal paraganglioma, a rare cancer that had already spread throughout his body.

But Jonathan didn’t crumble under the weight of his diagnosis. Instead, he approached it with the mindset of a clinician and an athlete — problem-solving, strategizing, and pushing forward. His stage 4 mediastinal paraganglioma treatment plan included radiation to shrink the primary tumor near his heart, targeted therapy to slow the cancer’s spread, and surgeries to stabilize his spine after painful fractures. Despite the challenges, he remained active, racing in marathons and triathlons and even completing the Ironman World Championship in 2023, an achievement that proved that stage 4 cancer is not a death sentence.

Jonathan refuses to let stage 4 mediastinal paraganglioma dictate his life. He returned to his work in lung transplantation, finding deeper connections with his patients who also face mortality. His focus on sports helps him stay mentally strong in the face of his challenges. He also started giving back by fundraising for cancer patients and their families, hosting JP’s Backyard Ultra, an annual ultra-marathon that has raised thousands for those in need.

Through it all, Jonathan has embraced gratitude, acceptance, and purpose. His message is clear: cancer is not the end — it’s a call to live with intention, advocate for oneself, and find ways to give back. For him, being a “force for good” starts with kindness to oneself and extends to uplifting others. His story is not just about surviving but about thriving, making an impact, and redefining what it means to live with cancer.

Watch the video to learn from Jonathan about:

How he crossed the Ironman finish line after his stage 4 diagnosis.
Why he says stage 4 cancer is not a death sentence.
How he turned a rare cancer diagnosis into a mission to help others.
From marathons to fundraising, how he’s proving life doesn’t stop at stage 4.

Name:
- Jonathan P.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 47
Diagnosis:
- Mediastinal Paraganglioma
Staging:
- Stage 4
Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Facial and neck swelling
- Vein distension
- Dizziness and fainting
- Blacking out after standing up
Treatments:
- Radiation: external beam radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Surgery: cement injection for spinal stabilization

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Jonathan!

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Support & Advocacy in Michaela’s Stage 4B Ovarian Cancer

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date April 7, 2025
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April 7, 2025

Michaela’s High-Grade Stage 4B Ovarian Cancer Highlights the Power of Advocacy and Support

Michaela was diagnosed with high-grade stage 4B ovarian cancer in March 2024 after experiencing a range of symptoms including persistent side and abdominal pain that were initially overlooked by multiple doctors. She leaned on her daughter, Sonia, during this difficult time. Michaela and Sonia sought medical attention after Michaela’s pain intensified, which pushed them to consult a gynecologist and a gastroenterologist. These efforts led to the discovery of Michaela’s cancer.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Sonia, having dealt with cancer herself, was deeply involved in advocating for her mother’s needs. She drew from her own experience and the advocacy skills she learned while caring for her grandmother who had dementia. Michaela and Sonia decided to go to MD Anderson in Houston. They quickly moved forward with a treatment plan that included chemotherapy and surgery. Although the biopsy results were inconclusive, Michaela was treated with neoadjuvant therapy, involving rounds of chemotherapy before and after surgery.

Despite facing an aggressive cancer stage, Michaela’s surgery was successful, removing all visible tumors. However, Michaela then had to deal with the anxiety and panic attacks that emerged post-treatment and with the fear of recurrence, too.

Michaela and Sonia emphasize the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, stressing the need for women to insist on thorough examinations and tests when they feel something is wrong. They also highlight the limitations of standard procedures, like Pap smears, in diagnosing ovarian cancer. They urge a more comprehensive approach that includes CT scans and CA125 blood tests.

Throughout Michaela’s story, Sonia’s unwavering support and Michaela’s determination shine through. They advocate awareness and proactive health checks for early detection, emphasizing the strength found in family and medical teams. Their experience underscores the silent threat cancer poses and the need for vigilance and resilience in facing it.

Watch the video to learn about:

How Michaela’s courage helped her face an overlooked “silent killer” and its emotional toll.
How advocacy skills proved crucial in seeking treatment.
The importance of thorough medical checks.
Michaela’s and Sonia’s takeaways from this experience.

Name:
- Michaela E.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 67
Diagnosis:
- Ovarian Cancer (High-Grade)
Staging:
- Stage 4B
Symptoms:
- Bloating and mild swelling
- Occasional discomfort and pain in abdominal/pelvic region
- Noisier digestion than usual
- Fatigue
- Pressure/pain after emptying bladder
Treatments:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy: neoadjuvant and post-surgery

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Michaela!

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Spenser’s Experience with Stage 4 Oral Cancer

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date April 7, 2025
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April 7, 2025

Spenser’s Stage 4 Oral Cancer Story: Turning Trauma into Triumph Against All Odds

Spenser was diagnosed with stage 4 oral cancer. He had always been athletic and was training to be a professional bodybuilder. But in 2022, he experienced an excruciating toothache, which led him to visit the ER. Although he had the tooth removed, he still felt something was off.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

As time progressed, Spenser started to feel very tired and kept having canker sores. He powered through and continued his rigorous workout routines. By January 2024, though, he could no longer dismiss his symptoms. A dental visit revealed a jarring sight in his mouth, leading to a referral to an oral surgeon, who immediately suspected cancer.

The surgeon’s suspicions proved true when Spenser was diagnosed with stage 4 oral cancer (squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue), which had spread to his neck and throat lymph nodes. To deal with a massive tumor, he underwent a grueling seven-hour surgery. The surgeon removed part of his tongue and numerous lymph nodes. The surgery was life-threatening, and his communication abilities were seriously jeopardized.

Recovering from surgery, Spenser next had to consider undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. He initially refused, but his doctors ultimately won him over. His treatment and its side effects were grueling, but Spenser’s resilience shone through. He defied expectations and refused to let his cancer defeat him.

Although Spenser survived stage 4 oral cancer, he experienced permanent kidney damage from chemotherapy and psychological scars, including PTSD and severe depression. Work became difficult, and he struggled under the pressure of his thoughts.

But Spenser rose to the occasion yet again. He found solace in boxing and embraced a new perspective on life. His story is about fighting against the odds, transforming trauma into strength, and never giving up.

Watch Spenser’s story for more about:

The importance of health and nutrition in cancer recovery.
How he remained resilient even during the hardest moments.
Listening to one’s body and seeking medical help if something feels wrong.
What he’d like other people to learn from his experience.

Name:
- Spenser S.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 33
Diagnosis:
- Oral Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue)
Staging:
- Stage 4
Symptoms:
- Severe toothache
- Excessive fatigue
- Persistent canker sores
- Appearance of a large cyst in the mouth
Treatments:
- Surgery: partial removal of tongue, neck dissection with flap
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Spenser!

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Amanda’s Terminal Stage 4 Neuroendocrine Carcinoma

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date March 20, 2025
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March 20, 2025

Beyond the Diagnosis: How Amanda Embraces Life with Terminal High-Grade Stage 4 Neuroendocrine Carcinoma

In January 2025, Amanda found out she had high-grade stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma. Her story began in 2023 with a persistent UTI and cough. Initially, she was misdiagnosed with an autoimmune disease and treated with immunosuppressants and cortisone. However, her original symptoms persisted, and she also started to experience other symptoms like coughing up blood and having difficulty breathing even while walking.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

An ultrasound finally revealed a rapidly growing tumor on one ovary. Amanda immediately had both the tumor and ovary removed. Afterward, pathology results determined it was stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma. Although it wasn’t the primary tumor, it had already metastasized to various parts of her body.

Amanda and her family grappled with the reality of terminal cancer. Clinical trials weren’t an option because she has an autoimmune disease and had previously taken cortisone. She struggled with whether or not to undergo chemotherapy, and after consulting with doctors and her family, she decided to try a cycle of chemotherapy. It initially improved her condition. But her fears came true when she soon began to experience serious side effects like throat sores and hair loss.

Despite the prognosis, Amanda remains hopeful. She plans to continue chemotherapy for six to eight months. She’s also exploring alternative and integrative therapies to support her body and potentially extend her life. At the same time, by openly sharing her stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma story, Amanda wants to inspire others to maintain hope.

Learn more about the following topics by watching Amanda’s story:

Learning to embrace life and being hopeful in the face of a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Finding strength in activities like yoga and meditation.
Exploring all possibilities for well-being.
Drawing solace from a strong support system.

Name:
- Amanda S.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 32
Diagnosis:
- High-Grade Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
Staging:
- Stage 4
Symptoms:
- Breathing problems, especially during activities like walking
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Urinary tract infections
- Pain in belly
Treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Amanda!

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Jennifer P., Neuroendocrine Tumor, Stage 4, High-Grade

Symptom: Pain in upper back
Treatments: Chemotherapy, immunotherapy
...

Tags stage 4

Chemotherapy Metastatic Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patient Stories Treatments

Sandy’s Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Story

Post author By Katrina Villareal
Post date February 13, 2025
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February 13, 2025

Sandy’s Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Story

Sandy was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2024. Her initial symptoms included persistent coughing, weakness, and shortness of breath. After weeks of worsening symptoms and ineffective treatments, an MRI revealed a large mass in her chest, which eventually led to the collapse of her left lung due to a massive tumor. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoma, a cancer that Sandy later described as a blessing in disguise due to its responsiveness to chemotherapy.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

Treatment began immediately, consisting of six intense rounds of chemotherapy, each lasting five days in the hospital followed by two weeks of recovery at home. The process was physically and emotionally grueling, marked by extreme fatigue, weight loss, and hair loss. Despite these challenges, Sandy focused on mental resilience, which she believes was critical to her survival. She emphasized the importance of maintaining movement, even during the most debilitating moments.

To cope mentally with stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Sandy turned to spirituality, meditation, and writing. She frequented a meditation garden where she found solace. Writing became a therapeutic outlet, leading to the creation of her book, Cancer Ramblings. Writing helped her process her experience and turn her pain into purpose.

Sandy celebrated her remission as a profound moment of liberation and gratitude, describing it as a second chance at life. She plans to monitor her health closely while maintaining a conscious lifestyle. She views sharing her story as a way to inspire others, providing hope and comfort to those facing similar challenges. Her key advice is to visualize a positive outcome and hold onto it as a guiding light through the darkest moments. Sandy’s enduring image was of herself running on the beach—a vision she ultimately realized.

Name: Sandy D.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 45
Diagnosis:
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Staging:
- Stage 4
Symptoms:
- Persistent coughing
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
Treatment:
- Chemotherapy (six rounds)

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Sandy!

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Laurie’s Stage 4 Follicular Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Story

Post author By Chris Sanchez
Post date February 5, 2025
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February 5, 2025

Laurie’s Stage 4 Follicular Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Story

Laurie, a Los Angeles resident, was diagnosed with stage 4 follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2006, when she was 46. Her journey to diagnosis began years earlier with vague symptoms—frequent sinus infections, a tendency for her right eye to dry out, fatigue, and a lump in her abdomen. Multiple doctors dismissed her concerns, with one attributing the lump to a hernia. But a diagnostician ordered a CT scan, and it revealed a grapefruit-sized tumor and spots on her lungs.

Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

After undergoing a series of tests, including biopsies, Laurie learned she had follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. Her initial response to the cancer diagnosis was shock, followed by depression and uncertainty about how to explain the situation to her young son and husband.

Laurie’s treatment regimen started with chemotherapy and a monoclonal antibody, which successfully reduced the tumors after 6 rounds. However, her cancer relapsed, and she explored additional treatment options, including a clinical trial using an HDAC inhibitor (therapy that helps control how cancer cells grow and divide by affecting the cancer cell DNA). It initially stabilized the cancer but ultimately failed after 11 months. Consequently, Laurie turned to alternative therapies, including radioimmunotherapy (delivering high dose radiation directly to the tumor cells) and a more aggressive chemotherapy regimen, but these also proved unsuccessful.

In 2011, Laurie enrolled in a clinical trial for a Pi3 kinase inhibitor (a treatment that works to block a pathway cancer cells use to grow and survive that can slow a cancer’s growth and help keep it under control), which kept her cancer stable for over 5 years, albeit not fully eliminating it. During this time, she learned about CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge treatment using a patient’s own T cells to target cancer cells. While initially not available for follicular lymphoma, CAR T-cell therapy became an option for Laurie in 2018. She consequently underwent the procedure — a remarkable 7th line of cancer treatment. As a result, she achieved remission for the first time in 12 years. As of 2024, Laurie has remained cancer-free. Her oncologist considers her cured, as her CAR T-cells continue to be detectable in her system.

Throughout her treatment journey, Laurie faced numerous challenges, including the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and steroids. She developed avascular necrosis, which required hip surgery, a consequence of long-term steroid use. However, despite these struggles, Laurie’s battle with cancer transformed her into a passionate patient advocate. She now works with 3 nonprofits, helping others navigate cancer treatment and advocating for more accessible and less potentially toxic therapies like CAR T-cell therapy. Laurie emphasizes the importance of finding a specialized oncologist, self-advocacy, and the value of second opinions and clinical trials in managing cancer.

Laurie’s story underscores the evolving landscape of cancer treatment, particularly in the context of immunotherapy. She highlights the importance of staying informed and advocating for oneself or having someone advocate on their behalf, especially as new therapies emerge. Through persistence, resilience, and research, Laurie continues to support others facing similar battles. She shares her journey to inspire hope and grow awareness.

Name:
- Laurie A.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 46
Diagnosis:
- Follicular lymphoma
Staging:
- Stage 4
Symptoms:
- Frequent sinus infections
- Dry right eye
- Fatigue
- Lump in abdomen
Treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Radioimmunotherapy

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Laurie!

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Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Initially, Nicola experienced rectal bleeding. Doctors thought it was nothing more than hemorrhoids, but eventually, they conducted a colonoscopy. The surgeon found a 4-cm tumor and performed surgery just before Christmas, and also discovered that 4 of her lymph nodes tested positive for cancer cells. She then underwent adjuvant chemotherapy, which is treatment to keep cancer from returning.

With no significant family history of cancer, although her father also had bowel cancer, Nicola’s case involved a non-BRAF, wild-type adenocarcinoma. Her chemotherapy initially made her very sick, leading to weight loss and hospitalization. Eventually, she switched treatments and completed 5 rounds before doctors declared her NED (No Evidence of Disease) for her stage 4 colorectal cancer.

Months later, Nicola began to experience symptoms such as profound migraines and vision changes. These led to the discovery of a large brain tumor; her original cancer had metastasized to her brain. She promptly underwent a craniotomy, which was deemed successful. Afterward, she received targeted radiation therapy, which thankfully did not significantly affect her vision.

Nicola remains under high-risk monitoring. She advocates for personal vigilance and early testing, sharing that she might have pushed for a colonoscopy sooner despite her age, had she known that younger people can get colorectal cancer. Now, she focuses on being present with her family and friends, and cherishes each day with gratitude.

Name:
- Nicola H.
Diagnosis:
- Colorectal cancer 2020
- brain cancer
Staging:
- Initial stage 3 in 2020
- Metastasized to her brain in 2021 (stage 4)
Initial Symptoms:
- Bleeding, pain (Colorectal cancer)
- Focal migraines (Brain cancer)
Treatments:
- Chemotherapy (Colorectal cancer)
- Radiation (Brain cancer)

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.

Thank you for sharing your story, Nicola!

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Meridith’s Stage 4 Melanoma Story

Meridith, a fitness trainer and mother of three, was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in September 2023. Despite being physically fit and vigilant about her skin health, she experienced no warning signs until a sudden seizure led to her diagnosis.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Katrina Villareal

Doctors discovered two brain metastases connected to her stage 4 melanoma, one of which was operable. She underwent a craniotomy that successfully removed one tumor, but the second, inoperable tumor presented ongoing challenges. Seeking alternatives to radiation, Meredith’s network led her to an expert at MD Anderson who proposed immunotherapy, which effectively attacked the tumor. However, the treatment triggered severe side effects, including seizures and encephalitis, leading to a prolonged recovery.

Meridith’s year-long recovery has been marked by physical, mental, and emotional challenges. After seven more seizures in 2024, she focused on lifestyle changes to support brain health. While returning to her previous fitness activities has been slow, she finds healing in nature, spirituality, and spending time with family. Her experiences have brought a new perspective on life, emphasizing gratitude, faith, and the importance of close relationships.

Meridith continues to navigate survivorship with regular scans and a profound sense of purpose, offering encouragement to others facing similar struggles. She believes in the power of hope, community, and finding joy in life’s small moments, even amidst adversity. Her message is one of resilience, emphasizing that light and support can overcome even the darkest times.

Name: Meridith B.
Age at Diagnosis:
- 43
Diagnosis:
- Melanoma
Staging:
- Stage 4
Symptom:
- Seizure
Treatment:
- Surgery: craniotomy (to remove a brain metastasis)
- Immunotherapy