Nicole Russeck, Stage I

My grandma saw a black mole behind the upper cartilage part of my right ear in May 2025. It was originally ignored by my dermatologist in June 2025. I went back for a biopsy of it in July 2025 and it was Stage 1A melanoma. I switched practices. In August 2025, I had two surgeries at Fox Chase Cancer Center. The first surgery, they removed three lymph nodes in my neck and the melanoma. The second surgery was a skin graft to my ear. They did a wonderful job! It just so happens that I am a Licensed Massage Therapist specialized in Oncology Massage and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. I have such a great support system from my family, my coworkers, and my patients.

Nicole Russeck, Stage I Melanoma Survivor
Date of Diagnosis: 07/25/2025
Doylestown, Pennsylvania