Scott Smith, Mucosal Melanoma

My Cancer Journey: A Story of Resilience and Hope

It all started on Christmas Eve, surrounded by my family, when I had my first grand mal seizure. The fear was palpable as my right arm was dislocated, and I was rushed to the hospital. It was the beginning of a journey that would forever change my life. Tests revealed a tumor the size of a walnut in my brain, and after an emergency surgery, I learned it was metastatic melanoma. The surgeon was hopeful, believing he had removed it all, but I quickly realized this was just the beginning.

In the following months, I began physical therapy and adjusted to a new rhythm of life—one filled with CT scans, MRIs, and medical appointments. Five years later, these tests had become my new reality. I was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma brain, with no detectable source on my skin. It was a blow for both me and my wife, but we knew we had to fight—for each other, for our kids. We leaned on family and friends, who became our backbone during this battle.

The challenges kept coming. A second grand mal seizure, this time while my wife was driving, left me with a dislocated left arm. Tumors were growing rapidly in my brain, and my oncologist turned to radiation treatments. But even with several Gamma Knife sessions, the tumors continued to spread. The next option was immunotherapy—an intense two-drug treatment. Though I faced tough side effects like a severe rash and weight gain, I knew I had to stay strong.

Six months later, another surgery removed persistent tumors, but melanoma is relentless. I chose another bold step—surgery with radiation tiles to target the remaining cells. Two years later, I was tumor-free, and for a brief time, I could breathe easy.
Then, in 2025, my body began to fail me again, this time due to anemia caused by a blockage in my lower intestine from melanoma. I was determined to face this challenge head-on. I opted for surgery once again. After a month in the hospital and two months of IV nutrition at home, I’m now back to eating normally and feeling stronger than ever.

Cancer is part of my life, but it does not define me. I’m lucky to have had the treatments I’ve had, but I know not everyone is as fortunate. I carry four scars from this fight, but more importantly, I carry a heart full of gratitude and hope. No matter what comes next, I choose to live each day with strength, resilience, and unwavering belief that this is not the end.

Scott Smith
Lewsiville, Texas
Mucosal Melanoma Survivor
Date of Diagnosis: 01/02/2021