Episode 11: When It's Not Just Ocular Melanoma

Living with ocular melanoma is challenging enough—but what happens when other health issues enter the picture, too?

In Episode 11 of our special 15-year series, Melody opens up about navigating multiple health conditions while living with ocular melanoma. She discusses the judgment, guilt, and embarrassment that can come with compounding health issues.

This honest conversation explores the emotional weight of managing overlapping diagnoses, advocating for yourself in medical settings, and giving yourself permission to acknowledge all of your health challenges without comparison or shame.

If you've ever felt like your struggles were minimized, questioned, or misunderstood, this episode is for you.

🎥 Watch now and join the conversation.

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Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.

In this episode of Living in the Long-Middle, we are joined by Phil and Caitlyn Stewart, a husband-and-wife team sharing their experiences from both sides of the cancer journey—the patient perspective and the caregiver perspective.

When cancer enters a relationship, it impacts more than just one person. Phil and Caitlyn offer an honest look at how they have navigated the challenges, uncertainties, and realities of ocular melanoma together. Through their conversation, they explore the unique roles of patient and caregiver, the importance of communication, and how partnership can provide strength during difficult times.

Their story highlights the resilience that comes from facing adversity as a team and the lessons they have learned while living in the long-middle of cancer survivorship.

Whether you are a patient, caregiver, family member, or friend, this episode offers meaningful insights into the power of support, understanding, and shared hope.

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In this Eye on the Expert webinar, leading experts discuss the growing role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in uveal melanoma and what this emerging technology may mean for patients and providers.

Joining the discussion are:

Together, they explore:

As research continues to advance, ctDNA is providing new insights into how cancer can be monitored and understood. This webinar offers an accessible overview of the science, current applications, and future possibilities for patients living with uveal melanoma.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this webinar possible:

Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research. 💙

In this episode of What's Up, Doc? on the Eye Believe Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Miguel Materin, a leading ocular oncologist and retina specialist, for a conversation that goes beyond medicine.

Dr. Materin shares insights into his recent transition from Duke University to Northwell Health, what inspired the move, and what it means for patients seeking ocular melanoma care. We also discuss his approach to treating ocular melanoma, the importance of personalized patient care, and how he works alongside patients and families facing a rare cancer diagnosis.

But this series is about more than credentials and clinical expertise. Get to know Dr. Materin on a personal level as he reflects on his journey into medicine, the experiences that shaped his career, and the passions that drive his work today.

Whether you're a patient, caregiver, advocate, or healthcare professional, this episode offers a unique opportunity to connect with one of the experts helping lead the way in ocular melanoma care.

🎧 Listen, learn, and get to know the people behind the white coats.

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Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.

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In this episode of Living in the Long-Middle, we welcome back Sam Franklin for a deeply personal conversation about life, survivorship, and what it means to truly live while facing cancer.

Sam’s story reminds us that how we approach the “living” part of the long-middle matters. He reflects on the thoughts, emotions, and lessons that have shaped his journey since being diagnosed with metastatic ocular melanoma in 2019.

Now, as Sam shares that his chapter as a cancer patient is nearing its end, he offers a perspective that is both honest and inspiring. While this moment has arrived sooner than he hoped, it is also far later than he ever imagined when metastatic disease was first discovered.

Through vulnerability, wisdom, and grace, Sam discusses finding meaning in the time between diagnosis and uncertainty, the importance of connection, and the value of living fully in the face of difficult realities.

Whether you are a patient, caregiver, family member, or healthcare professional, Sam’s story is a powerful reminder that every day matters.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this possible!

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In Episode 10 of My 15 Years, Melody shares the story behind the creation of Lookin' For A Cure 5K and how a small community event grew into an important tradition for the ocular melanoma community.

She talks about what inspired the first race, the work that goes into organizing an event year after year, and why bringing patients, caregivers, families, and supporters together matters so much.

Of course, not every year has gone according to plan.

Through the challenges, surprises, and memorable moments, the mission has remained the same: bringing hope, awareness, and community to those affected by ocular melanoma.

Whether you've participated in a Lookin' For A Cure 5K, volunteered, donated, or are hearing about it for the first time, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep the event going and why it continues to make a difference.

Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.

🔔 Subscribe to follow the full My 15 Years series

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Kristie Nguyen to talk about protecting your eyes and preparing for a safe, healthy summer season. ☀️🕶️

As National Sunglasses Day approaches on June 27th, Dr. Nguyen shares practical tips for maintaining eye health during the summer months and explains why protecting your eyes from UV exposure is so important.

In this conversation, we discuss:

Whether you’re spending time outdoors, at the beach, on the water, or just enjoying the sunshine, this episode offers helpful reminders for keeping your eyes healthy and protected all summer long.

🔗 Learn more about Dr. Kristie Nguyen:

https://www.instagram.com/dr.kristienguyen/?hl=en

https://www.kazokulunettes.com

🎧 Tune in for an informative and timely conversation about eye safety, prevention, and why awareness looks good on everyone. 💙

In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Julia Brechbiel, Clinical Psychologist at Fred Hutch for an important conversation about mental health and cancer.

Dr. Brechbiel shares practical, compassionate guidance for patients and caregivers navigating the emotional impact of serious illness. Together, we discuss where to start when seeking mental health support, how to recognize signs of PTSD and emotional distress, and the many benefits therapy can provide throughout the cancer journey.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, living in survivorship, or supporting a loved one, this conversation offers reassurance, validation, and actionable advice for taking care of your mental health along the way.

🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful and empowering discussion about healing, support, and the importance of caring for both mind and body. 💙

Episode 9: Summer After Radiation

Summer looked very different after treatment.

In Episode 9 of My 15 Years, Melody reflects on her first summer after plaque brachytherapy and what it was like adjusting to life just one month after radiation treatment.

She talks about learning to embrace a “new normal,” navigating summer activities differently, and finding ways to still enjoy vacations, sunshine, and time with loved ones while adapting to changes in vision and recovery.

This episode also highlights the importance of sun safety and awareness, including conversations around:

Melody shares practical tips, personal experiences, and encouragement for anyone learning how to move forward after treatment — especially during seasons that can feel emotionally or physically different than before diagnosis.

This episode is a reminder that joy, adventure, and meaningful moments are still possible, even when life changes course.

Rare Cancer. Resilient Hope. Revolutionary Research.

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In this episode of the Eye Believe Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Marlana Orloff for an important conversation: Are We in a Clinical Trial Drought?

Dr. Orloff discusses the current landscape of uveal melanoma clinical trials, including which studies have recently closed, why those closures happened, and what it means for patients searching for treatment options today.

But this conversation isn’t just about what’s ending—it’s also about what may be coming next.

In this episode, Dr. Orloff shares:

As Dr. Orloff explains, while it may feel like a drought right now… it’s about to rain.

Whether you are a patient, caregiver, advocate, or clinician, this episode offers thoughtful insight into the evolving future of uveal melanoma treatment and research.

🎧 Tune in for a timely and hopeful discussion about where the field stands today—and where it may be headed next. 💙