My Melanoma Journey: A Story of Fear and Courage

Fear has a way of gripping our hearts and minds when faced with a life-altering diagnosis. For me, this fear became all too real when he received his melanoma diagnosis. But within the depths of fear, he discovered the incredible power of courage and the unwavering support of his loved ones. It all began on a perfect night, filled with celebration and joy for my retirement after 50 years as a Financial Advisor. Little did I know that this night would mark the beginning of his melanoma journey. Upon returning home, I noticed blood coming from my little toe, and a visit to the podiatrist the next day confirmed my worst fears – it was melanoma. With the diagnosis confirmed, my wife and I embarked on a journey fueled by fear and uncertainty. We knew they needed a game plan, and so they sought out the expertise of an internationally recognized expert at the Lombardi Cancer Center Georgetown University Hospital in melanoma. With our team in place, we delved into research, educating themselves about melanoma and understanding their options for treatment. Surgery was advised to remove the tumor, which unfortunately included my entire little toe. The possibility of lymph node involvement loomed over them, and a biopsy confirmed their fears. The affected area was surgically removed, and then came the immunotherapy treatment using Nivolumab (Opdivo). It was a leap into the unknown, but David faced it with courage and a positive attitude. Throughout his journey, I learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to move forward despite it. Additionally, my primary care physician Scott Shapiro MD PhD was with me every step of the way. The emotional roller coaster of victories and defeats became a constant companion, but he remained resilient, making tough decisions and continuing to fight. However, the journey took an unexpected turn when I developed drug-induced Type 1 diabetes as a result of the immunotherapy treatment. Despite this new challenge, I faced it head-on, learning to control my diabetes with insulin shots and the support of medical professional his endocrinologist.  The story continued amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, where my kidneys began to shut down due to the same immunotherapy treatment. Through the care of another doctor, I found the strength to persevere. In the face of adversity, my attitude became his greatest weapon. I understood that attitude is everything when fighting a battle like melanoma. And through it all, he found support and solace in organizations like the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) and IMERMAN ANGELS, where I became an advocate for melanoma awareness and education. My story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of community. I continue to support the MRF and the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), working tirelessly to raise awareness, support research, and ensure that the patient's voice is heard. Fear may have initially gripped my heart, but courage propelled him forward. My journey serves as a testament to the strength that lies within us when faced with life's greatest challenges. Additionally, I implemented a matching gift strategy for individual donors working for major corporations. This strategy was specifically designed to maximize the impact of donations made to organizations like the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) and the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA). By partnering with major corporations, we were able to leverage their philanthropic initiatives and encourage employee giving through matching gift programs. This not only increased the amount of funding available for melanoma research and support programs, but also engaged employees in a meaningful way, fostering a sense of pride and community within the workplace. As of March, 2024, there is no evidence of disease in my case. My journey serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, reminding them that with courage, resilience, and the support of loved ones and organizations like the MRF and MRA, they too can overcome the obstacles that come with a melanoma diagnosis.