Rob’s Story

During January 2023 at just 32 years old, Rob was diagnosed with stage 3C melanoma. In March 2023 he had a Wide Local Excision (WLE) and a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB). Then in June, Rob started 12 months of adjuvant targeted treatment (Dabrafenib & Trametinib.) He is now 2 years post diagnosis and remain under quarterly surveillance with MRI and CT scans.

A mole on my scalp began to grow and bleed, considering I hadn’t ever heard of melanoma prior to my consultant appointment, my diagnosis was a whirlwind time. Initially, there was a flurry of activity (CT scans, etc.), followed by a period that felt like being left in ‘no man’s land.’

In June 2023 I started 12 months adjuvant targeted treatment (dabrafenib & trametinib). During treatment, I managed to maintain everyday life other than a rough few weeks when I first started treatment (high temperature, flu like symptoms). Three months into the treatment I also had an episode of sepsis and a kidney infection scare which resulted in a 4 – 5 day hospital stay whilst I had treatment, although, it wasn’t completely clear if this was due to my treatment.

Overall, I’m really fortunate with both the outcome and outlook and deeply appreciative of the treatment and expert care received. However, the initial period post-diagnosis was the most challenging, as I was ‘passed’ between departments and bombarded with different appointments and locations while trying to continue with everyday life. I am now 2 years post diagnosis and remain under quarterly surveillance with MRI and CT scans. During my 12-month treatment there was a serious concern of spread to my lungs but so far, this hasn’t materialised and so, life continues!

What advice would you give to other melanoma patients?

Ensure you have a strong support network, whether through family and friends or organisations like Maggie’s. Ideally, connect with melanoma-specific charities and support networks, as navigating the new world of medical terms and treatment terminology can be challenging.

Always bring someone to oncology or consultant appointments to take notes and ask questions. The information overload can be overwhelming, and having someone with you can help manage it better.

Why is Melanoma Focus important to you?

Any organisation that raises awareness and provides a support network for this cancer is of the upmost importance in my view. One hopeful aspect of melanoma is that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and so we need to challenge cultural norms around sun safety to promote early prevention and awareness.