My name is Faith Hauss and in February of 2015 I was diagnosed with ocular melanoma in my left eye at the age of 42. As compared to other forms of cancer, and even the more common cutaneous (skin) melanoma, the outlook for those with this rare disease can feel devastating to say the least, with as many as of 50% of patients succumbing to the cancer.
There are four words that no one can prepare you for in life.
When I was 31 years old I found a small lump on the left side of my neck. Two doctors and many friends and family told me it was nothing. My body and my mind were telling me otherwise. Unfortunately, I was right.
When you have cancer, particularly a rare cancer like ocular melanoma, one of the most important things is to connect with others who understand what you are experiencing.
Twelve years ago, Dr. David Abrutyn's wife, Danielle, noticed a mole on the back of his leg. He was initially assured by a dermatologist that it was benign and could just be watched. However, ten months later, while he was doing his sports medicine fellowship in California, he went to another dermatologist who biopsied it. It was melanoma.
Ocular melanoma patient and advocate Kristin Nocco recently participated in a first-of-its-kind patient review process to determine the recipient of OM research funding.
Summer shares her ocular melanoma story and why she joined the #CUREOM Unite! campaign to support the development of a national ocular melanoma patient registry.
"Mommy, thank you so much for taking me to Great Wolf Lodge again!" Moses wrapped his arms around my neck, with great big tears streaming down his face.
There are four words that no one can prepare you for in life.
When you have cancer, particularly a rare cancer like ocular melanoma, one of the most important things is to connect with others who understand what you are experiencing.
Twelve years ago, Dr. David Abrutyn's wife, Danielle, noticed a mole on the back of his leg. He was initially assured by a dermatologist that it was benign and could just be watched. However, ten months later, while he was doing his sports medicine fellowship in California, he went to another dermatologist who biopsied it. It was melanoma.
"Mommy, thank you so much for taking me to Great Wolf Lodge again!" Moses wrapped his arms around my neck, with great big tears streaming down his face.