Veronica's Story

Veronica has been battling melanoma since May of 2008. At that time, a simple mole was removed from her right calf area. She underwent both a wider excision and a sentinel lymph node biopsy was completed. Fortunately, results from this biopsy revealed no spread of melanoma to her lymphatic area. Feeling relief, Veronica continued to live her life.


In December of 2008, Veronica returned to the doctor with concerns about her lymph node area. These concerns were dismissed and Veronica was able to enjoy the holidays with her family. Several months passed and in July of 2009, her lymph node area became enlarged and required surgery. This time, the biopsy revealed that Veronica’s melanoma had spread to her lymph nodes. Her oncologist from the University of Pennsylvania diagnosed her with Stage III Metastatic Melanoma. After leaving the hospital, the surgery site became infected and required yet another surgery. She continued to suffer from infections and developed seroma. As a result, she was hospitalized several times throughout the summer.


A course of treatment was prescribed by her oncologist and treatment team. A decision was made to cut back her typical work schedule due to the effects of treatment that included oral chemotherapy and immune boosting injections. Unfortunately, the insurance company only covered a percentage of this expensive, but necessary treatment. A fundraiser was held in December of 2009 to assist Veronica and her family and help cover the costs of her treatments. We had a great turnout and were able to alleviate some of the financial burdens that she and her family were experiencing.


Veronica continued with her chemotherapy and injections for the ensuing year. She remained optimistic and her health improved. She resumed her normal life which included a reduced work schedule and family time. She became a Zumba instructor and felt great. Following this year of treatment, Veronica had an annual MRI/CT scan in July 2010. She received great news when her scan showed no progression of cancer in the chest, abdomen and groin areas.

Within two weeks of her clean bill-of-health, Veronica had symptoms of a head cold and was diagnosed with a sinus infection. She was given antibiotics but her symptoms worsened rapidly. She began experiencing blurred vision and excruciating headaches. She returned to the hospital on August 1, when an MRI/CT scan revealed a 6cm tumor of the frontal parietal lobe. Veronica had the tumor removed from her brain on August 4th.


Due to the melanoma spreading to another body organ, the disease has now progressed to a Stage IV diagnosis. She returned to the hospital on September 3, where she received radiation treatment through a gamma knife procedure. An MRI showed more melanoma in the brain and plans for additional treatment are being explored with her oncologist.

Since her surgery, Veronica suffers from blurred vision and intermittent headaches. Due to her limited vision, her doctor has restricted her from driving for the next 4-6 weeks. She is unsure if and when she will be able to return to work due to the demands and stress of managing this disease with the countless number of doctors’ visits, tests, and treatments. More importantly, Veronica is fearful that this disease will take her away from her loving husband, Anthony and her two children, Riley (7) and Reagan (2). As a result, she faces the difficult decision of resuming work or enjoying her family in case her time is limited.