“An update on my melanoma:

Eleven years ago, this February, I received a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. Over the years, I have been in and out of the hospital, enduring numerous medications and their side effects. My life has felt like a game of chess. This year, I am still awaiting surgery on my left knee, and now I’m experiencing side effects from the medication I’m currently taking. Additionally, my right hip has started causing problems. I am using a morphine patch for pain management. I began with a 5mg dosage, which proved ineffective, so it was increased to 10mg, and now I’m on 15mg, but it still isn’t enough to alleviate the pain.”