My life has changed dramatically... Quite a few years ago I had a Melanoma - mole (primary) removed from the left side of my jaw and since then I have gone for regular check-ups to my Dermatologist. I thought that was the end of that!

However, I now have Stage 4 Melanoma and first observed my new symptoms in September 2006. Whilst having a shower I found a rather large lump under my right arm and thought ‘just in case' it was something nasty I went to the Doctor. He was quite concerned and suggested I have an ultrasound and a biopsy done. I sensed at that stage something was drastically wrong.

I went back to the Doctor with the results. He told me the situation looked extremely serious and it showed as Malignant Melanoma.

The ultrasound/biopsies had shown the Melanoma had travelled to my Lymph system on the opposite side of my body from the original Melanoma site.

I understood time was very critical at that stage, so I then saw my Dermatologist. He too explained the seriousness of it all and said we had to move very quickly and I would require surgery. Whilst I was at his rooms he got in touch with a Cancer Surgeon and they discussed my on-going plan and both recommended surgery as soon as possible. I spent the rest of the day having Cat Scans and felt devastated by all I had been told.

I was about to face the biggest hurdle of my life with this life-threatening disease!

I couldn't believe I had Metastatic Melanoma in my right underarm. I had surgery to remove the entire lymph nodes (a block dissection - a total of approx 40 lymph nodes) and had some muscle taken too.

I am 59 years, have worked full-time for 41 years and had never given thought to retiring, but because of this wake-up call I decided to retire. I am enjoying every minute of every day and I am making the most of my life and realise none of us know what is ahead of us in the journey of our lives. I have joined a gym and trying to lose weight so my body will be as healthy as possible.

Not a day goes by - 10 months since surgery that I don't wonder about my fate... prognosis or whatever! I have a wonderful supportive husband Ted. I have frequent Oncologist visits / scans and blood checked but so far so good.

Years ago I lost my mother to Metastatic Melanoma so that is always in the back of my mind and my sister has also had a melanoma mole removed.

I find it very difficult to say ‘I have Cancer' because I don't look any different - I don't look sick, in fact I look very well - everyone keeps telling me! My family and friends think because I had the surgery that is the end of it all. I feel the implications of "Melanoma" is not understood and most people don't realize it can spread to vital organs. They seem to think it is just a ‘skin thing'.

I wonder how other Melanoma sufferers explain ‘Metastatic Melanoma'!

I am thrilled I have found this wonderful Australian Melanoma web-site and would love to get more information on this dreaded cancer.

Barb Rix