What other OM patients should know - a story w/ Heather M.

Join A Cure in Sight to interview guest, Heather McMenamin, a patient originally from England, currently living in Houston, TX, and diagnosed with ocular melanoma in 2021. “I went for my annual eye exam 9-22-21, (because of COVID it was actually 18 months since my previous eye exam, normally done every year). I was asymptomatic and more concerned about what new frame I might pick out. The doctor was quite concerned about the large mass in my left eye and said I needed to see a retina specialist STAT. I was able to get an appointment for the next morning at which time the doctor dilated my eyes and very quickly said I needed to see an Ocular Oncologist - he did not give me a diagnosis but at this point I knew it was serious.  I was referred to Dr. Amy Schefler and got an appointment 9-29-21. After hours of testing she diagnosed me with Uveal Melanoma. I had Brachytherapy 11-01-21, plaque was in for 7 days. That was an odd experience to look back on. I just had my 2nd year anniversary and so far no sign of METS, next scan 10-19-23 and I began eye injections last month as I have signs of retinopathy.” If you take anything from Heather’s episode, we hope you glean that knowledge is so empowering as a patient, and that the knowledge you share with others to help spread awareness makes such a key difference. You can find Heather on facebook, and also in the Houston area if you head to the Houston 5K coming up on Dec 10th!    Her favorite song referenced in this episode is “Take Me Home Country Roads.”    ANNOUNCEMENTS: 5K SITES ARE OPEN FOR REGISTRATION NEAR YOU! Start your team and bring your community to get involved! Highest record for registrations is 306! Who can top it!? Fundraisers have a record of $30K+ in Palo Alto–who can help beat that!?  December 9, Dallas FTW TX https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/FortWorth/LookinForACureFortWorth December 10, Houston, TX https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Houston/LookinForACureHouston January 20, 2024 Orlando FL https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Orlando/LookinForACureTampa January 21, 2024, Miami FL https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Miami/LookinForACureMiami Head to our site to register for a 5K Lookin’ for a Cure near you for the remainder of the year!! www.lookinforacure.org Subscribe to the newsletter to stay in the know Newsletter link Email [email protected] for questions regarding any upcoming events! ********* Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, or  Instagram @acureinsight, for more stories, tips, research news, and ideas to help you navigate this journey with OM! *A Cure in Sight is a 501c3 organization. All donations made can help fund our podcast to educate patients, fund research, aid patients, and more! Donate $10 $15 $20 today to help A Cure in Sight in their quest to find a cure. Contribute via  PAYPAL OR VENMO or reach out directly to [email protected]