By Katie Ostrovsky, a Brush On Block user and melanoma survivor.
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US. It’s difficult knowing that over 5 million skin cancer diagnoses occur each year in the US, and most can be treated effectively if found early. Skin cancer can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity, but it is also the most preventable form of cancer.
I have been beating Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma for the past 11 years. Initially diagnosed with Stage IIA at age 25, it all started with a 9mm dark, discolored mole under my left forearm. The journey took a turn after a deep shaven biopsy during my first dermatologist visit. I learned quickly about my Stage IIA Melanoma diagnosis, the gravity of which didn't sink in immediately. Following a wide local excision, it was confirmed that the cancer had not spread. However, in 2008, the melanoma reappeared in my left armpit. By 2009, the melanoma had spread to my brain, lungs, uterus, and spine. This marked the start of a challenging battle for survival, involving 18 total surgeries and extensive radiation treatments across my body.
Enduring six different chemo/immunotherapy treatments, I faced difficulties like body rashes, disabilities, depression, memory loss, and adjusting to hair loss and wearing wigs (which reminded me every day that I had cancer).
Months later, my body was covered in over 100 tumors and various superficial growths, spreading throughout my body, including my liver and spine. In 2010, my oncologist worked endless hours, trying to turn my weeks into months. Over time, something eventually worked, and the melanoma started shrinking by 2011. The road to recovery was tough. Despite appearing healthy externally, my body bore the marks of melanoma treatment and surgeries internally.
Overcoming melanoma, undergoing radiation therapy, and enduring 18 surgeries have left me with numerous challenges, including Fibromyalgia, chronic pain, cancer-related nerve problems, insomnia, and muscle loss. These conditions persist and impact my daily life.
I am incredibly grateful every day for the opportunity to raise my two daughters and be a loving wife to my husband. This has been my goal since the very beginning—to be here for them! We have battled through this journey together. Amidst pain, grief, loss, and resilience, a sense of community emerged. This shared journey inspires me daily to show up, move forward, and keep pushing, knowing that others are doing the same.
The support from those within the Melahomie community (a community of individuals who have been diagnosed with or are affected by melanoma) especially motivates me every day. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your story.
