Hi everyone! My name is Samantha. Most of you might know that I was diagnosed with Melanoma Stage 3C in March of 2024. I had surgery to remove the melanoma from my back and two lymph nodes removed from where it had spread and had treatment for a little over a year. I had signed up for a trial for this treatment and while it covered a lot, a lot fell on my shoulders.

In October 2025, I went for my six-month scans and checkups. The CT scan showed that I had one lymph node removed under my left arm (where the previous lymph nodes were removed) was enlarged. They did a biopsy and confirmed that the melanoma had returned. Since it returned, the doctor decided on two treatments with two immunotherapy drugs, then surgery to remove the rest of my lymph nodes under my left arm, more scans to ensure it hadn’t spread, and further treatment post-surgery with one immunotherapy drug. I had the first dose the first week of November 2025 of the two drugs. There have been several reactions to the medication. What immunotherapy drugs do is activate your immune system to remind it that it is supposed to fight the cancer cells. The biggest reaction has been an issue with my vision. It inflamed the inside of my eyes. I can see, but it’s foggy and I can’t see to drive or do some other tasks. It’s being treated and will return to normal. With this treatment plan, what isn’t covered under insurance I am responsible for. Before all of this, I had my full-time job with the Department of Veterans Affairs and a part-time job to cover things that came up. I ended up quitting my part-time job towards the end of the year in 2024 due to the effects of treatment. Since then, I would do DoorDash, UberEats, or other things when I could to try to cover things. With everything and the effects of treatment, I have not been able to do that.

I have been trying to cover everything from my full-time job, but with everything it has been hard. I don’t like to ask for help because I can usually figure something out. I love to help people and volunteer any chance I can get. The boys have been taking me to appointments and helping out with things where they can. Jeremy has been looking for a job and Michael is about to finish up his first semester in college.

I know that life has been hard for everyone with rising costs and everything. If you can’t give, please just share this out. Everything helps! I appreciate everyone that has been checking on me and praying for me!