Keith Tolley’s melanoma journey began with a mole that had started to grow and bleed. A biopsy confirmed his worst fear: it was melanoma. Surgeons removed the tumor and lymph nodes, revealing that the disease had started to spread. Although initially managed with close monitoring, a recurrence led to a Stage 4 diagnosis. Keith enrolled in a clinical trial testing a personalized cancer vaccine with immunotherapy, but when his cancer progressed, he pivoted to the proven combination immunotherapy ipilimumab + nivolumab. While managing side effects from treatment, scans revealed that it was working – his tumors shrank. Through it all, Keith leaned on his faith, his family, and his trusted care team. Today, he’s a strong advocate for clinical trials, crediting them not only with giving him access to innovative treatments, but with helping pave the way for others.
If you've been recently diagnosed with melanoma, you are not alone. The Melanoma > Exchange is a free online melanoma treatment and research-focused discussion group and support community.
