Your Story Series: Courtney
Could you please share your experiences around being diagnosed with melanoma?
I received my melanoma diagnosis in the middle of last year. I had a spot on my nose that gradually became darker and larger over time. I’d actually had it checked a few years earlier when I first noticed it, and at that point it wasn’t considered anything to worry about.
As it continued to change, I decided I wanted it removed. Because it was on my face, it was recommended that it be biopsied first to be completely certain. No GP felt comfortable removing it due to the location, so I was referred to a plastic surgeon instead.
The week following my appointment, the plastic surgeon called me and said “I’m so sorry, but it is melanoma, and we need to deal with it as soon as possible.” At the time, I was still somewhat oblivious to just how extensive the treatment would be.
About a month later, I underwent surgery to remove the melanoma on my nose. The procedure involved a full-thickness skin graft - 5mm of skin was removed from my nose and replaced with skin taken from in front of my ear. I’ll never forget waking up and seeing myself in the mirror for the first time, it was really confronting.
How has your relationship with the sun changed following your diagnosis?
I never leave the house without sun protection - rain, shine, or cloudy skies, and I’m always checking in with the people around me to make sure they’ve put SPF on too. I’ve always loved being outdoors, but now I’m much more conscious of how long I spend outside and how I protect my skin.
What does living a sun-safe life mean to you, and how has sun protection impacted your confidence or comfort when spending time outdoors?
Living a sun-safe life means prioritising my health above everything else. It’s advocating in a world that is still heavily influenced by tanning culture and the promotion of unsafe sun exposure. Taking an extra five to ten minutes to properly protect your skin is so important, and it’s a step I will never skip.
Going through a melanoma diagnosis and the surgery that followed has been incredibly heavy on my self-confidence. Because it’s on my face, there’s nowhere to hide- something I’m still learning to navigate. By sharing my experience, I hope to inspire others to take sun safety seriously and to protect their skin before it’s too late.
Have you worn any Solbari products? If so, what is your favourite Solbari product and why?
Yes! My favourite piece of clothing is the Luxe Sun Wrap. Not only is it super stylish (anything with a thumbhole gets extra points in my book!), it’s also lightweight and breathable. I love how versatile it is - I can dress it up or down, and it’s become one of those everyday pieces I reach for constantly.
What advice would you give to someone who hasn’t yet embraced sun protection in their routine?
I truly believe there is so much power in prevention. No one is invincible when it comes to skin cancer, and you can still enjoy the sunshine while taking the right steps to protect yourself.
