Survivor's Day: 20 Years Beyond a Stage IV Melanoma Diagnosis

Cancer Survivor's Day is an opportunity to celebrate resilience, hope, and the people whose stories remind us of what is possible.

Twenty years ago, Meloney was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic melanoma after discovering what seemed to be a harmless lump on her shoulder. Thanks to the support of her family, her healthcare team, and access to a clinical trial that would ultimately save her life, she is now celebrating two decades cancer-free.

In her own words, she shares her journey, the lessons she's learned, and the message of hope she wants others facing cancer to hear.

Can you speak a bit about your cancer journey?

My journey started just over 20 years ago when I was about to turn 40. My kids were 17, 14, and 5. A lump had grown on the front of my right shoulder. My doctor thought it was probably calcified blood vessels and referred me to a surgeon to have it removed. What was supposed to be a quick procedure under local anesthetic became something more concerning when the surgeon had to re-administer the anesthetic three times. He knew it wasn't something simple.

A couple of weeks later, we were called back into his office. He simply said, “I’m so sorry, it’s melanoma.”

We had no idea what that meant. How could it be melanoma? That’s a skin cancer. I didn’t suntan, and this lump was under my skin.

I was immediately referred to the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, and for the next year, our lives revolved around appointments, scans, and treatments. My diagnosis was Stage IV metastatic melanoma. It had spread from a mole on my back to the lump on my shoulder, as well as my pancreas, liver, and lymph nodes.

Fortunately, Dr. Smylie was my oncologist, and I truly believe that saved my life. He knew of a trial drug—now known as Yervoy—that might work for me. He made a Hail Mary attempt to get me accepted into the trial on compassionate grounds. They said yes, the treatment worked, and here I am 20 years later—disease-free.

What helped you find strength during the hardest parts of treatment?

I leaned on a faith I never even knew I had. My immediate family was my rock; my husband and kids kept me going.

I was determined that my five-year-old was going to grow up knowing his mama. I couldn’t bear the thought of him not remembering me. I was also just so young. It didn’t feel right that the universe was done with me yet.

Did your experience with cancer change the way you view life or your future? How?

Absolutely. It’s exactly like the Tim McGraw song Live Like You Were Dying.

I started making bold choices—and I still do. I take leaps of faith, try new things, make new friends, and visit new places. Eat the cake. Buy the shoes. Do all the things with the people you love.

I bought a motorcycle and ride as much as possible. I’ve also learned to appreciate the small things I used to overlook: the smell of a flower, ocean waves, sunsets, birds singing, neighbourhood dogs barking, and kids laughing at the park.

There’s so much beauty around us if we take a moment to enjoy it.

Was there a person, moment, or piece of advice that helped you through treatment?

My research nurse, Leslie Fedorak, told me at our first meeting that she would become my best friend on this journey—and she was right.

She was only in my life for about five years, but her care helped me more than she will ever know. She kept everything organized, coordinated my tests, treatments, and appointments, and was there for me every step of the way.

We tried to hold onto every piece of advice we received, but the lesson that has stayed with me most is being mindful of what I put into my body. Eating as many healthy foods as possible has helped me stay as healthy as I am today—I’m convinced of it.

On Cancer Survivor’s Day, what message would you like to share with others going through a cancer journey?

I want others to know that there is always hope.

A large part of this fight happens in your own mind. Believe you can win. Do the work to beat it. Remember that your family and friends are not ready to say goodbye.

Don’t accept that your prognosis is the final word.

Early in my journey, Dr. Smylie asked if I wanted to know my prognosis. I said no. Those were other people’s statistics, not mine.

A few years later, I asked him what my prognosis would have been if I had wanted to know.

He said, “Six to nine months.”

I’m living proof that a prognosis is not your number. Don’t let it be.

A Message of Hope

Twenty years after receiving a prognosis that gave her just six to nine months to live, she continues to embrace life with gratitude, courage, and optimism.

Her story is a powerful reminder that every cancer journey is unique, that advances in research and treatment can change lives, and that hope remains an important part of the path forward.

This Cancer Survivor's Day, we celebrate her resilience, her determination, and the many survivors whose experiences continue to inspire and support others facing cancer.

Happy Cancer Survivor's Day from all of us at Save Your Skin Foundation.