At 40 years of age I had a primary melanoma removed from my shoulder. About 12 months later, surgery removed a secondary melanoma located in a lymph node in the same shoulder. At the 4 year mark, I had another node, along with all my lymphs from under my left arm removed. A bright note is that at the 3 year mark, a biopsy of a shadow on my liver showed dead melanoma cells.  This was most likely the result of having been on a course of injections as part of an Immunotherapy melanoma vaccine trial which meant that my body had learnt to identify and kill off the melanoma cells.  In light of this positive feedback, it was a real bummer to undergo surgery at the 4 year mark. 

None of us know in advance the when and where of life. Each hour, day and week is a blessing to be lived to the fullest.  With family, tennis, work, vegetable gardening and relaxing up here in Far North Queensland, living to the fullest is exactly what I'm striving to do.

Regards

Andy