Listen to Your Gut: Amy’s Journey Through Melanoma and the Power of Self-Advocacy
Every May, during Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we're reminded of the importance of protecting our skin and staying vigilant about changes that may indicate something more serious. For Amy Nickell, what began as a childhood sunburn and an unusual skin pattern eventually led to a life-changing diagnosis—melanoma.
Amy and her husband, known for their adventurous lifestyle traveling across North America in an Airstream with their dog Roxy, were no strangers to the outdoors. But like many growing up in an era when tanning was popular, Amy didn’t fully grasp the risks of prolonged sun exposure. It wasn’t until her late twenties that she began to connect the dots between repeated sunburns and the unusual spots on her skin.
At age 28, after noticing an itchy, darkening mole, Amy followed the ABCs of skin cancer detection she’d received from her dermatologist. That decision led to a stage 1B melanoma diagnosis and surgery that changed her perspective—and ultimately, her life.
But her story didn’t end there.
In the years that followed, Amy faced multiple challenges, including dismissive doctors, recurrence of suspicious spots, and the emotional toll of navigating the medical system. Through persistence, she found a supportive care team that identified additional melanomas and conducted genetic testing. Amy discovered she carries mutations linked not only to melanoma but also to other cancers, including ovarian and breast cancer.
Her wake-up call has led to lasting lifestyle changes—from wearing UPF-protective clothing and avoiding sun exposure to embracing a clean diet and consistent medical follow-up.
One of the most powerful takeaways from Amy’s journey is her advice to trust yourself:
“Go with your gut. If you feel something is off, listen to your inner gut and go with it.”
During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Amy’s experience is a crucial reminder to:
Know your skin and check it regularly for changes.
Follow the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving).
Wear sun-protective clothing and sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather.
See a dermatologist regularly, especially if you have a history of sunburn or atypical moles.
Advocate for yourself—if something doesn’t feel right, seek a second opinion.
Amy's resilience, her willingness to question, and her determination to protect her health serve as inspiration for all of us.
Let her story be a call to action this May—and beyond.
About the Patient Story
The Patient Story shares authentic patient experiences with compassion and scientific rigor. Starting with cancer and expanding to other conditions, the platform combines patient narratives with medically vetted information on symptoms, clinical trials, insurance, and support—presented in a human-centered way.
For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.
This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
