A Cure in Sight is joined by fellow OM patient, Kenny Rains, from the "OM Mancave" , who was diagnosed with a choroidal ocular melanoma August 31st of 2021.

In this episode, Kenny shares his story, including the discovery and diagnosis of his eye tumor, the treatment options he weighed and why, with a specific emphasis on his mental health journey..

Here’s a preview of his interview:

“It all started when I noticed that my vision was getting blurry in June. I thought that my prescription for my eye was changing so I went to the local optometrist and they changed my prescription. I did this a few times but then I started to notice my vision was distorted. After some urging from friends I went to the local ophthalmologist and that’s when I saw the grid and noticed just how bad my vision had become. They dilated my eyes and that’s when they got a picture of my tumor located right on the macula and eating it’s way into the fovea. Each day I felt like I was losing more vision until I got the radiation and I went almost completely blind in my right eye. It was an extremely difficult week of treatment but they were able to save my peripheral vision in my right eye. 
 
The human body is incredible and I quickly became left eye dominant and my brain managed to compensate so I still retain almost a full field of view with both eyes open. I can still do virtually everything I did before and try to make the most of every day. This disease has shown me that each day is a gift and we should treat it as such. Cancer has been brutal but it has also been a gift. As I have gone blind my eyes have been opened to the reality that tomorrow is not promised and yesterday is gone so today is what we have.” 

You can get to know Kenny more by connecting with him on Facebook or Instagram.

Find the Ocular Melanoma Mancave for patients HERE on Facebook.


ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Lookin’ For a Cure Arizona 5K Walk for Ocular Melanoma 
COMING UP September 24, 8 AM 
Register here and be sure to bring friends and family to walk with us! (Virtual option coming soon)

Eye Believe Survivorship Seminar in Nashville, Tennessee
October 14-15. REGISTER HERE! (Welcome reception for in person attendees on October 13, 6:00 PM)
(Virtual and in person options.)

Lookin’ For a Cure TEXAS 5K Walk for Ocular Melanoma 
NOVEMBER 5, 2022; 8 AM 
Register here and be sure to bring friends and family to walk with us! (Virtual option available)

Email contact@acureinsight.org for questions regarding the event!

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The Eye Believe Podcast is brought to you by Castle Biosciences. Castle Biosciences is a leading diagnostics company improving health through innovative tests that guide patient care. The Company aims to transform disease management by keeping people first: patients, clinicians, employees and investors. 
This podcast was hosted by Danet Peterson and produced by Agora Media.