Supporting the cause

Sue’s journey with melanoma began when she was growing up in the Illawarra in the 1970s.

When Sue was 14 years old, her mum was diagnosed with melanoma. Sue can still remember the trips to Sydney on the train to visit the Sydney Melanoma Unit for numerous operations and treatments. It was a confusing and frightening time for the family but before long it was all over. “My mum passed away in the early 80s of this deadly cancer called melanoma,” said Sue.

Sue moved on with her life, married her husband Paul and gave birth to three children – Libby, Brennan, and Jay. Life was good, melanoma a distant memory. Then she turned 50.

“I noticed on my right ankle a mole had changed. Straight to the doctors I went. He took a biopsy and a few days later I got that dreaded phone call.” Susan was diagnosed with Stage III melanoma two weeks before Christmas 2007.

“I had an appointment with Professor Thompson. I felt scared, anxious, and I thought my life was over. A month later I had surgery and node removal. My blood and nodes were sent away for further testing to determine my treatment.” After a nervous 10-day wait, Sue received some very good news – the surgery had been a success; there was no need for further treatment.

This was three and a half years ago. Sue still goes for check-ups at the Institute every four months and struggles with lymphoedema, a chronic swelling of the lymph nodes, in her leg. “I do feel anxious with this cancer but every day we are hearing about new treatments so it’s so important for the research to continue.”

This year, Sue became a grandmother to Ruby. “It’s wonderful and something my mum never got to experience.” For Sue nowadays, melanoma prevention and awareness has become a part of her life. “Slip slop slap I tell the kids.” Sue recently started fundraising for the Institute with her Melanoma Support Group. A recent golf day raised $6,500.

“Thirty years ago I thanked Professors Milton and McCarthy for their care of my Mum, now I would like to personally thank Professor Thompson and the team for saving my life and to my loving family and friends a big thank you from the heart for all your support.”

• Sue is a regular attendee at a melanoma support group in the Illawarra. Find out more about support groups
• Family history is one of a number of risk factors for melanoma. If a close relative (mother, father, sibling or child) has been diagnosed with melanoma you could be at risk. Find out more about melanoma risk factors
• Check your skin regularly, and see your GP or dermatologist if you have any concerns. Knowing what to look for could save your life. Find out more about checking your skin