Hello...

.....Thanks for taking a look at my website. I hope you find something useful in here as I share some insight into my melanoma cancer history, treatment and experience.

I chose this picture because this is me on holiday in early October 2023 - the week I discovered a lump under my arm......I thought I'd share my story so more people can be aware of the importance of early intervention; taking a REALLY active role in your own cancer treatment path and hopefully help a few others to support cancer sufferers along the way.

Oh, and to try and empty out all this "stuff" in my head ;-).....

What's my story?

I started 2023 in celebration mode with a 50th birthday party disco surrounded by my nearest and dearest. In stark contrast, by November, I had been diagnosed with Stage 4 (Advanced) cancer which in many cases is also a terminal diagnosis.

I have Melanoma cancer which according to Wikipedia is a type of cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. About 25% of melanomas develop from moles. Changes in a mole that can indicate melanoma include an increase in size, irregular edges, change in color, itchiness, or skin breakdown.

Why do you need to be aware of melanoma skin cancer?

Cancer Research UK states that "Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 4% of all new cancer cases", that's 46 new cases every day.... and when caught early you have the best chance of survival.

In this blog series I will cover:

- My background history and how I found the cancer

- Information about the Immunotherapy treatment I am having

- What I have learned about diet, exercise, Vitamin D and the importance of a fully functioning immune system

- Plus of course "Life, The Universe and Everything".

This will be shared in a similar way to my work-related LinkedIn posts under the title "World of Kate" if you happen to follow me on there as well!

I hope to also share some of my photos, art work and other creative projects because as part of this journey I am going to be trying to make a bigger investment of time in those - plus who wants to just see pictures of me all the time?

Contact

The best way to contact me is via the form on the Contact page or on LinkedIn @kate-tickner