Christie Roy, Stage IV

In 1983 I was first diagnosed with a melanoma on my wrist also one on my chest. I was told I had stage 4 melanoma and to get my affairs in order. In 1994 The immunotherapy pioneer trail shortly after I participated in a historic experimental melanoma vaccine with Dr. Donald Morton at St. Johns hospital. This vaccine laid the foundation for immunotherapy options of today.

2012 I had 2 additional Primaries. 2020 Brain metastases and target therapy 27 years my very first diagnosis. I was BRAF positive I began targeted therapy. I took the combination for three years.

While these drug’s successfully cleared the cancer. I experienced severe toxicity hospitalized 2 times with high fevers, profound muscle weakness and a serious bowel to blather fiscula which required surgery.

2026 The present day 6 years after brain metastases my melanoma I’m doing well. My melanoma did travel through my bloodstream without lymph node involvement. This places me at stage 4 M1a.

Message to other melanoma patients it’s a long road but a stage 4 diagnosis is not what it used to be. My cells survived decades in hiding, responded beautifully to target drugs and allowing to achieve clear scans. Science is advancing every day. There’s hope and consider a trail if need be.

Christie Roy
Stage IV Melanoma Survivor
10/11/1983
Glendora,California