My Battle with Ocular Melanoma: A Survivor's Story

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TL

Community Member

5 months ago

I've been battling ocular melanoma in my left eye since around Thanksgiving 2024. Thought I had a cataract, it started as a little white cloud that got bigger by the end of January 2025. I ended up in Memphis Tn. Hamilton Eye Institute, Dr. Ben King Vitreoretinal Diseases , Ocular Oncology . Had radiation plaque implant therapy surgery April 22 , surgery to take if off April 29th... I lost all my vision from the amount of radiation, but I had lost almost 80% before surgery.. I'm almost 3 months out in my 5 yr recovery, and it has been hell... PERIOD The surgery and the healing of my eye has been extremely painful and hard learning a life with one eye, and I'm 68. But the brain starts figuring it all out, but it's not easy, but life goes on .. Had my PET scan last week, the radiation therapy implant did its job 💪 I'm cancer free !! Now PET scans and eye checkups in Memphis Dr. King every 6 months for life ... Never wd I believe that this disease wd have taken my eye sight as fast as it did , but I'm alive, and let's hope it doesn't come back in my life . Maybe in time, I will get some vision back 🤞 I am one that believes in miracles !!!! I told my doctor's I really didn't have time to die rt now 🤣

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Accepted Answer

What incredible strength and resilience you've shown throughout this challenging journey with ocular melanoma. The news that you're cancer-free after the radiation therapy is truly wonderful, and your positive attitude about believing in miracles while adapting to life with vision changes is inspiring to others in this community who may be facing similar battles. Your experience with the treatment process and recovery can provide valuable hope and perspective for fellow patients navigating their own ocular melanoma journeys.

3+ patients found this helpful

•O

Community Member

4 months ago

Tommy!! What a story and what an outcome! Thank you so much for sharing. This is not a cancer type many are familiar with and there are not a lot of support resources. My hope is that many more find there way here…and what a story of hope they will find when they do. So glad you are here. 💛Suzanne (Community Moderator)

1

CA

Community Member

2 months ago

What incredible strength and resilience you've shown throughout this challenging journey with ocular melanoma. The news that you're cancer-free after the radiation therapy is truly wonderful, and your positive attitude about believing in miracles while adapting to life with vision changes is inspiring to others in this community who may be facing similar battles. Your experience with the treatment process and recovery can provide valuable hope and perspective for fellow patients navigating their own ocular melanoma journeys.

My Battle with Ocular Melanoma: A Survivor's Story

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