Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Megan was 36 when a changing mole on her back turned into a stage 3A melanoma diagnosis — surgery, ten lymph nodes removed, and a genetic mutation (CHEK2) that put her whole body under watch. Five years of scans later, life felt steady again. Then a stretch at home turned into months of unexplained leg pain, and a PET scan found melanoma in her femurs, pelvis, spine, and stomach. It was now stage 4 melanoma.
This is Megan's story of starting immunotherapy and radiation within days, relearning to walk, and building a life — routines, yoga, travel, a podcast with her husband Justin — around a diagnosis that never fully leaves. Nine years in, Megan shares what it actually takes to keep going. Watch her full story on @thepatientstory.
Thank you, Megan, for sharing your story to help others.
#cancerpatient #cancersurvivor #patientstories #thepatientstory #cancertreatment #cancerprevention #cancersymptoms
The Patient Story:
The Patient Story is led by a dedicated team of medical, editorial, and video experts, committed to authentically portraying the cancer patient experience. Sharing your story holds transformative power, culturally and personally. We handle each narrative with utmost care, compassion, and scientific rigor.
Our editorial process adheres to the highest journalistic standards, ensuring medically researched, vetted, and fact-checked content. Backed by experienced medical professionals, we offer insights into the latest medical advancements.
Beyond patient narratives, we provide comprehensive coverage of cancer news and medical resources. From symptoms to clinical trials, insurance, finances, and support groups, we offer guidance in a humanized manner.
Chapters:
0:00 – Dismissing the Warning Signs of Melanoma
0:44 – The Itchy Mole: First Symptom of Melanoma
1:23 – Biopsy Day: Hearing "Worst Case Scenario"
3:07 – Surgery: Mole Removal and Lymph Node Biopsy
3:35 – Stage 3A Melanoma Diagnosis
4:52 – Family History: Mom's Breast Cancer & Genetic Testing
6:07 – Treatment Choices: Second Opinion and Active Surveillance
8:36 – New Symptoms Return Five Years Later: Hip and Back Pain
10:13 – Spine MRI Leads to Urgent PET Scan Recall
12:27 – Stage 4 Recurrence: Cancer Spreads, Starting Immunotherapy & Radiation
14:10 – 2025 Kidney Scare and Switching Treatment Plans
16:00 – Living with Cancer: Finding Joy and Advocating for Yourself
Join Our Community:
Sign up for our FREE website: thepatientstory.com
Facebook: facebook.com/thepatientstory
Instagram: instagram.com/thepatientstory
Twitter: twitter.com/Patient_Story
TikTok: tiktok.com/@patientstory
To watch the care partner story of her husband Justin, click here: youtu.be/zdtaf-RmSLI
Megan was 36 when a changing mole on her back turned into a stage 3A melanoma diagnosis — surgery, ten lymph nodes removed, and a genetic mutation (CHEK2) that put her whole body under watch. Five years of scans later, life felt steady again. Then a stretch at home turned into months of unexplained leg pain, and a PET scan found melanoma in her femurs, pelvis, spine, and stomach. It was now stage 4 melanoma.
This is Megan's story of starting immunotherapy and radiation within days, relearning to walk, and building a life — routines, yoga, travel, a podcast with her husband Justin — around a diagnosis that never fully leaves. Nine years in, Megan shares what it actually takes to keep going. Watch her full story on @thepatientstory.
Thank you, Megan, for sharing your story to help others.
#cancerpatient #cancersurvivor #patientstories #thepatientstory #cancertreatment #cancerprevention #cancersymptoms
The Patient Story:
The Patient Story is led by a dedicated team of medical, editorial, and video experts, committed to authentically portraying the cancer patient experience. Sharing your story holds transformative power, culturally and personally. We handle each narrative with utmost care, compassion, and scientific rigor.
Our editorial process adheres to the highest journalistic standards, ensuring medically researched, vetted, and fact-checked content. Backed by experienced medical professionals, we offer insights into the latest medical advancements.
Beyond patient narratives, we provide comprehensive coverage of cancer news and medical resources. From symptoms to clinical trials, insurance, finances, and support groups, we offer guidance in a humanized manner.
Chapters:
0:00 – Dismissing the Warning Signs of Melanoma
0:44 – The Itchy Mole: First Symptom of Melanoma
1:23 – Biopsy Day: Hearing "Worst Case Scenario"
3:07 – Surgery: Mole Removal and Lymph Node Biopsy
3:35 – Stage 3A Melanoma Diagnosis
4:52 – Family History: Mom's Breast Cancer & Genetic Testing
6:07 – Treatment Choices: Second Opinion and Active Surveillance
8:36 – New Symptoms Return Five Years Later: Hip and Back Pain
10:13 – Spine MRI Leads to Urgent PET Scan Recall
12:27 – Stage 4 Recurrence: Cancer Spreads, Starting Immunotherapy & Radiation
14:10 – 2025 Kidney Scare and Switching Treatment Plans
16:00 – Living with Cancer: Finding Joy and Advocating for Yourself
Join Our Community:
Sign up for our FREE website: thepatientstory.com
Facebook: facebook.com/thepatientstory
Instagram: instagram.com/thepatientstory
Twitter: twitter.com/Patient_Story
TikTok: tiktok.com/@patientstory
To watch the care partner story of her husband Justin, click here: youtu.be/zdtaf-RmSLI
