The thing about melanoma is that it is often presented as a simple state – wear sunscreen, check your birthmarks and avoid loungers. For most people it is about being careful and taking preventive steps. But for me, melanoma became something much more complicated and life -changing.
I have always tried to be aware of my skin. I have fair skin with red hair and grew up in Jersey Shore, us, where I spent a lot of time outside with exercising and sucking the sun. I would smear sunscreen on every centimeter of my body and, although I never used sunbeds, I was no stranger to the incidental bad sunscreen.
I remember that I was told that someone's risk of melanoma doubles if they have had more than five sunburn. But like most people, I did not fully understand the impact until it affected me personally.
It is difficult to determine exactly when things started to go wrong. I thought I was careful with sun exposure, but it wasn't enough. I was diagnosed with 'melanoma in situ' (stage zero) at the age of 17 and the mole was removed. Melanoma in situ means that the cancer cells have not spread anywhere else in the body and your skin is classified as 'pre-cancer'. It meant that although I had no cancer technically, I had to start to be more careful.
I kept having regular skin controls and for years everything seemed good. But in 2023 I was diagnosed with two melanoma. I was operated on to remove melanoma and underwent a lymph node biopsy to see if the cancer had spread, which fortunately returned negatively.
Gabrielle depicted in the hospital during a three -skin cancer treatment treatment. (Delivered)
Find a lump
I thought I was in freedom, but in August 2024 at the age of 26 I felt a lump near my armpit while I was ready to leave for a vacation. I didn't think anything about it and suspected that it was just an allergic reaction to my new deodorant, making a mental tone to keep an eye on it. But after switching to a natural deodorant and being away for a week on vacation, the clog continued to grow, so I immediately went to a doctor when I got home.
Because it was summer vacation, my usual doctor was gone and the fastest person I could see was a breast uncologist in the hospital. I assumed it would be a quick appointment and that she would reassure me, it was nothing serious.
But after feeling the feeling, she performed an ultrasound and a biopsy on the spot. About 10 minutes later she called me back in the room and told me that I had phase three melanoma, which would probably have spread from the stage two melanoma that had been on my back.
Most people diagnosis advanced melanoma are much older, usually in their 60s or 70s, so the diagnosis of 26 was a huge shock.
The news was devastating. It felt like the soil had been shifted under me. Most people diagnosis advanced melanoma are much older, usually in their 60s or 70s, so it was a huge shock. Melanoma does not always look like you think it does and my business proved that.
The emotional toll of this trip has been tough. With my family so far away in America, my parents, despite their love and support, have difficulty understanding the severity of my condition. There is a common perception about melanoma and for many, including my parents, skin cancer does not have the same weight as other cancer forms. They want to believe that everything will be fine, but I know reality – it can come back. It was difficult to balance their hopeful mentality with the urgency of my situation.
Gabrielle thought she was in freedom after phase two skin cancer, but then received shocking news. (Delivered)
Side effects
The physical toll has been just as overwhelming. After my diagnosis I started a new treatment plan, including three rounds of immunotherapy before the operation. The side effects of immunotherapy have been difficult to manage: skin rash, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. It is a very fine line between the back of the cancer treatment, but it now also attacks my body in different ways.
Because immunotherapy can influence fertility, I spent my 27th birthday freezing my eggs.
I also had to make big life adjustments. Because immunotherapy can influence fertility, I wanted to take action as soon as possible, so I spent my 27th birthday freezing my eggs. The process felt surrealistic – with which he had the opportunity to have children at a later age while they fight against a disease that could take it all away.
One of the most challenging aspects of this experience only has navigating. As an American who lives in the UK, far from family, I have confronted with the practical and emotional challenges to go through this without the immediate support network that I had at home.
Increase awareness
Now I am used to social media, especially Tiktok, to document my journey. I was never on Tiktok, but during my treatment I felt forced to share my experience. It was a way for me to understand everything, and I thought if it could help me, it could also help others. Via Tiktok I made contact with people who undergo or have similar treatments or loved ones.
Some are just starting their treatment, while others are further, but it is reassuring to know that I am not alone in this. Tiktok has given me a sense of community and I have learned so much from others who are going through similar experiences.
Via Tiktok I made contact with people who undergo or have similar treatments or loved ones.
I also learned a lot about melanoma. When I first heard the term 'skin cancer', I thought I understood the base: check your birthmarks, wear sunscreen, avoid excessive sun exposure. But melanoma is much more complex. Genetics plays an important role and I had no idea that every bad sunburn I had as a child could later increase my risk of developing melanoma in life. Skin is our largest organ, and now I see how essential it is to protect it just as we protect our lungs or liver.
My life has changed dramatically since my diagnosis. The treatment has become a job in itself. Although I am now cancer -free, advanced melanoma has a big chance to come back. Between the regular blood tests, scans and specialist visits, I am constantly alert. Melanoma also has a high risk of spreading to the brain, so my doctors follow my head closely with CT and PET scans. Although the scans have all been clear so far, the constant worries are exhausting.
Change my lifestyle
Because of all this I learned the importance of routine. I was always busy for my diagnosis. But when everything changed, I realized how crucial it was to maintain the normality in my life. I kept my work even when I didn't feel good, and I made a priority, even if it just stretched or walk lightly. Staying active helps me to keep my mind focused and my body as strong as possible under the circumstances.
Cancer came unexpectedly in my life, but it completely shifted my perspective.
Cancer came unexpectedly in my life, but it completely shifted my perspective. I think I have always been a pretty negative person and when I was diagnosed, I knew that I had to be aware of not spiriting in negativity. Therapy helped me reformulate my way of thinking and to teach me how to stay positive, even at the most difficult moments.
At a deeper level, cancer has let me evaluate everything, from how I live to what I eat and what is really important to me. I have learned to find joy in the small things and things that I once considered for granted feel as precious gifts.
This experience has also taught me that although I can control certain things, such as avoiding good food and editing foods, much of this disease is out of my hands. Learning to accept that has been just as important as fighting.
Gabrielle suffering serious side effects during her immunotherapy treatment. (Delivered)
Regarding the future, my current treatment plan has been paused because of side effects, and my doctors and I investigate other options, including targeted therapy where I would take pills three times a day to direct specific mutations of melanoma. It is all uncertain, and for someone who thrives on routine, that uncertainty has been the most difficult.
However, what I have learned is the importance of trusting my body. I am now more tailored to my health than ever before. I know when something feels wrong, and I have learned not to be afraid to speak or insist on answers. If I hadn't trusted my instincts early, I may not be able to fight this.
Cancer has changed me in ways I never expected. It has shown me how resilient I am.
Cancer has changed me in ways I never expected. It has shown me how resilient I am and has taught me that survival is not only about medical treatment. It is about mentality, maintaining routine and better understanding your body than anyone else. In honor of Melanoma Awareness Month (May), I am starting to challenge a tough murmur -to increase consciousness and show that despite everything I am still moving ahead.
Advanced melanoma has a high risk of recurrence, so I have months of preventive treatment to stay no cancer-free for months will be a lifelong journey for me.
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