Your Journey. Your Story. Your Strength.
The Survivor Journey Profile page at OcularCancer.com is a dedicated space for individuals affected by ocular cancers to share their powerful stories. Whether you're navigating a rare diagnosis, celebrating remission, or advocating for awareness, your journey can bring comfort and connection to others.
Each profile invites survivors to share:
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Diagnosis Details
Type of eye cancer, age at diagnosis, symptoms, and how it was discovered. -
The Journey
A personal narrative of your experience - from the first signs to diagnosis, treatment, emotional highs and lows, and life after cancer. -
What Helped You Most
Insights on what made a difference: supportive people, coping strategies, clinical trials, organizations, or spiritual strength. -
Doctor & Treatment Info
Share your care team’s names, treatment centers, or specialists who supported you. Recognizing the professionals who stood by your side helps others find trusted providers. -
Where You’re From
Help others connect with nearby survivors or learn more about treatment experiences in their region. -
Social Media or Website (Optional)
Include Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, or blog links to continue sharing your journey, advocacy, and awareness efforts beyond this page. -
Your Advice for Others
Words of wisdom, encouragement, and what you wish you knew at the beginning.
By sharing your survivor journey, you're giving hope, knowledge, and strength to someone who needs it right now. Together, we make rare eye cancers visible - and no one faces it alone.
📝 Ready to share your journey? Submit your profile today.
👁️ Survivor Journey Profiles
Patient Journeys. Stories of Strength.
7 Tips - How to Cope with Your Cancer Diagnosis - Advice for Dealing with Your Cancer Diagnosis
7 Tips - How to Cope with Your Cancer Diagnosis - Advice for Dealing with Your Cancer Diagnosis
A Life-Changing Prognosis of Uveal Melanoma: Kevin's Story
Ocular Melanoma: This is my story
Rare Faces of Medicaid: Kristan
I Bought the Only BIONIC EYE in the World
From fear to confidence: DecisionDx-Melanoma. Greg’s story of empowerment over a melanoma diagnosis
Sunstone Therapies Dyad Study Vx
Uveal Melanoma Journey and the Eye Patch Challenge
Uveal Melanoma with Liver Metastases: Patient Experience, Treatment Challenges & Hope on the Horizon
🌟 Patient Profile: Maya R.
Diagnosis: Ocular "Choroidal" Melanoma
Location: Austin, TX
Age at Diagnosis: 34
Year Diagnosed: 2023
My Journey:
It started with blurry vision and light flashes in my left eye. I thought it was just stress or screen time - until a dilated eye exam changed everything. I was diagnosed with ocular melanoma, something I had never heard of before. The whirlwind of tests, surgery, and radiation was overwhelming, but I found strength in connecting with others facing the same rare diagnosis.
What Helped Me Most:
Early detection saved my life. But the support I received from online communities and patient stories gave me the courage to face the unknown. Sharing my journey has been part of my healing.
My Advice:
Trust your instincts and never skip an eye exam. You are your best advocate. And remember - you are not alone.
Diagnosis: Ocular "Choroidal" Melanoma
Treatment: Enucleation
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Age at Diagnosis: 55
Year Diagnosed: January 2022
Year Passed: June 13, 2023
Clay's Journey:
"Clay was diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma, a rare aggressive eye cancer in January 2022. It metastasized to his liver in September. He died on June 13th 2023 at home with the support of hospice, 17 ½ months after the original diagnosis. He was extremely proactive during his cancer journey and mentored others who were diagnosed with OM. He was generous with his time, knowledge and resources throughout his life." - Santa Cruz Sentinel
How Clay Helped the Ocular Melanoma Community:
Clay produced many YouTube Videos documenting his Ocular Melanoma Journey. These videos are still viewed by newly diagnosed and post treatment patients, caregivers, and advocates.
My Advice:
Clay advises newly diagnosed patients to ask questions, inform themselves, but do not Google search your diagnosis.
Clay Butler OM Videos
