Carrie Brophy, Stage I

COVID hit and as a pediatric nurse and mom to six, I figured this would be the biggest challenge I’d see for 2020. One month later, I was proven wrong.

I was quite aware that as the fair, freckles, green eyed, Irish girl, that I would need to have yearly derm checks. After a blistering childhood sunburn and way too many visits to the tanning salon during college in sunny San Diego, I found a mole on my back (I studied pics that I had my older daughters take for me) that had changed just slightly. I called my derm office at the time and asked for an appointment. I was turned down several times even after submitting a picture of the changes mole. I was told that due to COVID, I would not be able to come in for now. Thankfully, I didn’t give up. At last, I was seen and the mole was biopsied. It took 6 weeks for me to get the call. The mole came back as a Stage 1 A Melanoma. I knew enough to realize that I was extremely lucky to have such an early stage diagnosis. A wide excision took care of it, hopefully forever. I became very cautious in the sun, new clothing with SPF, hats, more sunblock than you can imagine…deem checks every 3 months. All of that was manageable, but the fear that I now had was not. I tried to be cautious, but not terrified to be out in the daylight. I was managing pretty well with my new norm until one year almost to the day later, I was diagnosed with another Stage 1A Melanoma. The discomfort, the ugly scars, I was able to manage that. Now, the terror set in. How many more were lurking on my body undetected? Would I be this lucky again to have an early stage? Would I love to be around to see my children become adults? I literally became afraid in my own skin. I avoided looking in the mirror, but because of the scars, but because I didn’t trust what I saw. Every freckle, every age spot seemed ominous.

It’s been awhile now since my last Melanoma diagnosis. I’m beyond grateful, but I’m forever changed. I have to miss some sunny activities now, opt for the shade alone at sporting events to cheer for my kids and dive deeply into therapy to continue to try to live life instead of trying to avoid death. I realize that happiness and sadness can exist at the same time. You know what has helped me most? Diving into the Melanoma community and after having a mentor, I’ve become a mentor. I’ve been on two podcasts to share my story (I will be on Aims podcast in June!) and continuing to be mot only my own best advocate for my health care (I’ve changed dermatologists twice now), but being an advocate for my patients. We all must remember that we never know what someone else’s battles or demons might be. We’ve got to treat one another with kindness and care. Lastly, I’m proud of my scars, my battle wounds. My scars are a reminder that I was tougher than what tried to take me.

Carrie Brophy
Stage I Melanoma Survivor
Date of Diagnosis: 04/03/2020
Sonoma, California