Melanoma Survivor Elleea Walker: A Journey to Remember Written by Elleea Walker
When I think about my life thus far, there are a few moments in time where I can remember every detail. Gratefully, most of those moments have been filled with incredible joy. When I think about the first dance with my husband, for instance, I remember being in awe of the way the lights reflected in his eyes, the hum of whispers from guests, and the heaviness of my ball gown as its train swept the dance floor. The first time I held each of my nieces were moments that triggered all of my senses. I remember how both times, their tiny baby bodies felt heavier than I thought they ought to. My heart raced out of anticipation for all that would lie ahead for those sweet girls. It is these types of memories that make us feel invincible. But what about the moments that remind us we’re not? Have you ever experienced that? Well, I have. It was the moment I was diagnosed with cancer at 26 years old.
I was working as a multi-unit manager at the time. I loved the job but it kept me on the road a lot. I was working two hours away from home when my phone rang; it was the dermatologist. I had an appointment almost two weeks prior and had had a couple of biopsies taken. One, in particular, was a little red bump on my right leg that I pointed out to my primary care physician during a routine physical. He assured me that it looked like a harmless wart but referred me to a dermatologist anyway. The dermatologist performed a biopsy but reassured me that it was likely nothing to worry about.
When my phone rang, I stepped outside the store to sit on a bench nearby. I sat and immediately noticed my reflection in the vacant storefront across from where I was sitting. I listened while the doctor reviewed the pathology results of the little red bump on my leg. He explained that the results had returned with a diagnosis of a rare, but deadly, form of skin cancer called amelanotic nodular melanoma. As he explained the seriousness of this condition, I watched my reflection change. My perfectly tailored dress suddenly felt uncomfortably tight on my skin. The heels I gracefully walked in before became heavy inconveniences as I struggled to find my car through my tear-filled eyes. Me? Cancer? I will never forget that day.
Within weeks of my diagnosis, I met with a Surgical Oncologist to schedule a Wide Local Excision of the tumor beneath the skin and removal of lymph nodes. The good news, they said, was that melanoma caught early has a high survival rate. The bad news was that the depth and type of melanoma that I had made it difficult to know if we had caught it early enough. I would have to wait until after surgery to know whether or not the cancer had spread. Not long after the surgery, though, I learned that there were no signs of cancer in my lymph nodes — the best news possible.
Since my diagnosis, I have been on a cycle of skin checks every 90 days in addition to regular oncology visits. I have had over fifty biopsies resulting in seven excision surgeries to remove precancerous tissue all over my body. I have a wonderful medical team that acts proactively to prevent my body from creating a recurrence. Now, three years later, I have no evidence of disease!
Through an online support group, I have met many other melanoma warriors. I have read stories similar to mine and those that have ended much differently. In honor of them, I aim to raise awareness of the prevention and detection of melanoma by sharing my story. Regardless of gender, race, family history, or age, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. Wear sunscreen every day and stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Lastly, enjoy the moments that make you feel alive. Take in every detail, sensation, and sound of your first dance or holding a baby for the first time. One day, you may rely on those memories to get you through a time when you are unsure if there will be more memories to make.