May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month!

In recognition of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, please read

about the inspiring journey of one of our incredible cancer warriors, Laura Stanfill!

Laura Stanfill and her husband, Bill

How did you discover you had Ocular (or uveal) Melanoma? 

While melanoma is usually associated with the skin it can occur in the eye. Extremely rare, it occurs in about 5 to 6 people per million or 2,000 new cases each year in the US. It is different genetically from skin melanoma and the cause is unknown. It is an aggressive cancer with a 50% chance of metastasis most often to the liver. There is no cure for metastatic ocular melanoma. 

It usually occurs in the back of the eye and can be discovered during a good eye exam. I was “fortunate” that my tumor was in the front of my eye. So, when it was still very small, it was tipping the lens of my right eye and causing blurry vision.  I went to my local optometrist who could see there was something of concern. Within a week, I was being seen at Dean McGee Eye Institute by Dr. Brian Firestone. Again, I was fortunate as there were in 2017 very few Ophthalmologists in the nation who knew how to treat ocular melanoma and here was one of the best in Oklahoma City. 

I had plaque radiation treatment to my right eye in February 2017, where a precisely determined amount of radioactive beads are imbedded in a gold shield and then sewn to the eye directly over the tumor and left in place for 3 days. This treatment was a great success. The tumor in my eye is now just a lump of scar tissue, I did not lose my eye and in fact I have functional vision in my right eye.

Because of the risk of metastasis, I was referred immediately to start having regular check-ups with a Hematologist and CT screenings of my internal organs. Mine showed up in my liver in July 2020.

 How did your diagnosis affect your family? 

It is just me and Bill in the home. We have a lot of family mostly within 150 miles. The initial diagnosis in 2017 was a shock and meant a lot of traveling to and from OKC. We stayed with family a lot in OKC and that was nice. I was still working at that time, but quit my job to be able to travel for treatment and follow-up appointments. My income wasn’t needed for our living expenses, so we were able to adjust easily.  The discovery of the metastasis in my liver has had a bigger impact on Bill and me as a couple and our extended family.  Bill and I have had a good marriage for 34 years, but I would say we have become even closer since 2020. I am not one to keep a stiff upper lip or stuff my emotions away. I don’t consider myself brave and I am afraid of physical pain.

For my own mental health, I decided not to withhold from Bill how I am doing. He has stepped up and been a real helper. I make the effort to be clear with him about what I need help with. We talk about everything, even death. I think Bill operates in a state of denial a lot of the time.  A certain dose of denial helps him keep going from day to day without being depressed.

 What did you do to get through the difficult times during treatment? 

I widened my circle of support. When I found out the melanoma had spread to my liver, I knew I was going to need more help. The treatment on my eye was short duration and the side effects dissipated quickly. The treatment for my liver melanoma is ongoing and the side effects more persistent. I talked to my pastor, and he connected me with a spiritual friend, because even though a lot of people are praying for me, I needed someone who will pray with me. I started utilizing the services at Hopestone Cancer Center including the Women’s Support Group. The collective experience and knowledge of this group has been more helpful than I expected. I told my friends and family what was going on so they could be there, not just for me but also for Bill. I advocate for myself with my medical team. I have had a consult with a social worker, nutritionist and supportive care staff, anyone I thought could help me not just cope but conquer.

I stay as active as possible, even if it is just walking around the house on a bad day, or around the mall on a really hot day or around the park on a good day.  I keep making plans, for the day, for next week and for months ahead. I love traveling and bird watching. So, I keep planning birding trips. Yes, I have had to modify the way I travel, how long I am away from home, how often I can go, how long I need to rest in between. It is a miracle that I am still here 2 years after the tumor in my liver was discovered. When I have a bad day, feel sad or frustrated I talk to Bill, or a friend and I focus on just doing what I need to for that day.  I ask for help with the cooking or shopping if I need it. I am hopeful for a cure and try not to waste a day. It has taken me a long time to be able to say that. To allow myself to hope has been a real leap of faith, a leap made possible because of the support I have.

 What does remission look like for you? 

The impossible dream. Yet, I have to remind myself that it is possible, I was in remission for almost 3 years after the tumor first appeared in my eye. During that time, I had periods of time I didn’t even think about it, until it was time for a CT scan and checkup.  I lived my life without cancer being center stage. I am dreaming of those days again.

What advice would you offer someone diagnosed with your type of cancer? 

Find the best doctor you can that specializes in melanoma, one that you trust and feel good about. Record your oncology visits, write down and ask questions and be able to tell others what you need. Be patient, but also be your own advocate. To me waiting is the hardest thing. Waiting for a call from a doctor for an appointment or a test result. I try to remember that these doctors take care of hundreds of patients, and I am the only one I have to take care of. So, I will give them a day or so then I call and ask for what I need. I also keep a standing 6-month check-up with my primary care doctor. I have found it helpful to touch base with her, keep her up to speed on my situation and have her perspective of how I am doing. She looks at me as a whole person not just the cancer.