Mark Snider, Stage IV

Diagnosed: 2/16/15

I have been going to a Dermatologist for the last 25 years or so and have had a few basal cell cancers cut off but Melanoma was never seen nor diagnosed. I was at work on Feb 16, 2015, when I had a seizure. I was brought to a local ER and after several scans it was found that I had 2 brain tumors and 1 lung tumor. I was in the hospital for 3 days while they did a biopsy and other tests. I was told I had Stage 4 Melanoma Cancer. My family and myself were in shock as I always tried taking care of myself. Like I said, I went to a Dermatologist ever 6 months for about 25 yrs. I had just been to see the Dermatologist in December of 2014. We decided to to go to UF HEALTH CANCER CENTER in Orlando, FL where we had a team of Drs. who took care of me right away. I had brain surgery to remove 1 brain tumor. I had Radiostatic Gamma Surgery to remove the other and then I had 1 1/2 years of Immunotherapy Treatment. The immunotherapy treatment started working on shrinking my lung lesion almost right away and then totally disappeared. My scans have remained clear of any cancer or tumors since. I have scans every 3 months. I give thanks to the wonderful Doctors and Nurses that I have at UF HEALTH CANCER in Orlando and give praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. Every day is Day 1…live every day to our very fullest and appreciate every single day!!!