Phil's Profile

Phil's Info

Name:	Phil McAuley
Status:	In Treatment
Diagnosis:	Melanoma
Gender:	Male
Birthday:	January 21
Age:	21
Hometown:	Sarnia, Ontario
Country:	CA
Website URL:	http://www.cancertogether.com/

Online:	Offline
Registered:	September 24, 2008
Last Online:	December 26, 2008
Message Count:	22

Phil's Story

Phil's Medals (8)

Check out Phil's Medals for recognition of their wounds and achievements.

During the summer of 2007, a rather large mole on my back began to bleed. When I was younger, that same mole would get caught on things like my shirt and would occasionally bleed, so I didn’t really think anything of it this time. After a few months of dealing with the inconvenience, I figured it was time to get it removed. I went in for the surgery, and then thought nothing more of it. Just a few days later, I received the phone call that changed my life. The results came back positive for Melanoma, which according to my doctor was some sort of skin cancer.

At first I didn't know what to think. Perhaps it was the false sense of invincibility us youth tend to have because at the time, I didn’t really think of it as being a big deal. It seemed more like a dream or something. It was surreal. The seriousness of the situation didn’t set in until I informed my girlfriend and parents, and saw their reactions.

For the first few months after my diagnosis, for whatever reason, I didn’t tell anyone except close family about my diagnosis. Perhaps I was still in denial, or maybe I didn’t want to bear their inevitable reaction — that look of fear in their eyes when they find out. Sometimes it felt like I was the doctor telling the patient the bad news. Almost a year later, after all the surgeries and treatments, the hardest part for me continues to be how my cancer diagnosis affects the people close to me.

I started searching for somewhere I could be myself with people going through the same experiences as myself. I was looking for a place where I could make a joke about having cancer and people would laugh instead of not knowing what to say. There were lots of support groups and information out there, but I wanted something more. I wanted the same camaraderie that soldiers who fought together had. We are, after all, fighting the same war. I wanted a place where I could belong. It was this idea which inspired me to start this community.
Last Updated: Wed Sep 24, 2008 @ 7:06pm

Phil's Story

Phil's Medals (8)

Like the medals awarded in battle, our medals are recognition for our wounds and achievements.

On September 26th, 2007 went in for Mole Removal surgery.
Status: Finished

On October 1st, 2007 was diagnosed with Melanoma, stage 2.

In October, 2007 went in for Re-excision surgery.
Status: Finished

In November, 2007 went in for Sentinel Node Biopsy surgery.
Status: Finished

In November, 2007 was diagnosed with Melanoma, stage 3.

In December, 2007 went in for Axillary Node Dissection surgery.
Status: Finished

From January 14th, 2008 until February 8th, 2008 went in for Interferon (intravenous) treatment.
Status: Finished

From March 10th, 2008 until February 11th, 2009 is in Interferon (self-injection) treatment.
Status: In Progress - 302 days down, 37 to go (89% complete)

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