118
SUMMER
2016
My familyand I passed thenext fewweeks inahazeof fearanddismay.
Webracedourselves for what was to come: referrals toRVHandSunnybrookCancer Centres,
countless dreadful statistics explainingmydiagnosis of a stage3 cancer, extensive surgery to re-
move lymphnodesand tissue frommyhipandgroin, eightweekson strict bedrest to recover from
the surgery, andpermanent lymphedema (fluid retentionand tissue swelling) inmy leg.
After surgerycame treatment options,aconfusinganddifficult time formy familyand I.Withguid-
ance froma teamofoncologists,WEhad todecidehowwewouldproceed in fighting thisdiseaseI
was invited toparticipate ina clinical trial whichoffereda50/50 chanceat an immunotherapy
treatmentwhichwouldusemyownbodysystem to turnoff themelanoma triggers inmycells. Iwas
on the fortunatesideof the randomizeddraw,andover thecourseof68weeks I receivedeight in-
travenous infusion treatments of a veryexpensivedrug that is currentlyused in treatment of stage
fourmelanoma.
Immunotherapy has left mewith permanent damage tomy intestinal system, brain fog, and a
drained, fatigued feelingmuchof the time. I have topacemydailyactivities, andmyheavy, awk-
ward leg is still inneedof lymph-drainagebywayofmassage therapy should I everagainwish to
bikeon theTroutHollowTrail.
Treatment optionsare limited for someone inmy situation, andevenwithall thatmybodyhas un-
dergone I remainathigh risk for recurrence. I live in fearofmelanomaspreading tomy liver, lungs,
brain, or evenbone. I undergo head-to-toeCT scans every threemonths to check formetastasis,
and Iwill remainunder theclosewatchofmymedical team indefinitely.
Inaddition to focusonpriceless time spentwithmy family, I spendmy recuperation time reaching
out tootherswhomay have experiencedor will experiencewhat I have gone throughwith ad-
vancedmelanoma.
I learn from fellow survivorsand in turn, I ammotivated to try to inspireothers.
I can sharemy experience in the hope that at least one personwill hear my plea to change the
conversationabout skinhealthand sunexposure: tanned skin isnot healthy skin.
I am considered two yearswith “no evidenceof disease,” and I am still only slowlyworkingmy
way back to my mountain bike goals, and my normal life before a diagnosis of advanced
melanoma. I implore you: whether you are kayaking to thewreck of theMaryWard, or cutting
thegrass at the cottage, cover your skin to keep it safe. Check your skinmonthly for changes in
molecolouror textureoranynew lumpsorbumps, andprotect yourselfandyour lovedoneswith
sun-barrier clothingand sunscreen.
|E|
Natalie Richardson is amother to identical twins, writer, andmelanoma survivor. She now advocates to raise awareness
about this deadly disease, is a spokesperson for Save Your Skin Foundation, and has been sharing the roller coaster
journey on her blog, Impatient Patient Momma. Natalie lives inMeaford.
I can sharemy
experience in the
hope that at least
one personwill
hearmy plea to
change the
conversation
about skin health
and sun exposure:
tanned skin is not
healthy skin.
ESCARPMENT
®
well being
NatalieRichardsonseveral yearsbackwithher twindaughtersatMeafordharbour
