Ivy

Ivy

Stage 3b Malignant Melanoma

Ivy, a grandmother from Mississippi, was diagnosed with stage 3b malignant melanoma in the lower leg in 2015. Ivy fought her cancer with numerous surgeries, treatments and radiation but it continued to metastasize to other areas.

Now stage IV, her oncologist referred her to SCRI Oncology Partners in Nashville for a clinical trial after progressing on four prior therapies. Meredith McKean, MD, MPH, director of the melanoma and skin cancer research program at SCRI, first met with her in spring 2023 and set up a plan to target her specific genetic mutations. “Dr. McKean and her staff really listened to my concerns and were good to me, I loved each and every one of them,” Ivy said.

Before she could enroll, she had disease progression in the brain and underwent emergent surgery. She recovered and returned to begin her clinical trial in October 2023. She completed treatment in October 2024 and transitioned follow-up care closer to home to spend more time with her two grandchildren. 

“Ivy drove 16 hours roundtrip, every week from Mississippi for treatment and care at SCRI Oncology Partners. Her treatment was not without early side effects, but she tolerated treatment very well and has no active disease,” said Dr. McKean.

Ivy’s recent pet scan in January 2025 was clear and she is enjoying her time at home with family and friends.

“I wish to thank Dr. McKean as well as the sponsors and staff who offered me this clinical trial. I thank God most of all for what he’s done, steering me to SCRI and giving me strength to make weekly trips from Mississippi. My sister calls me a walking miracle but it’s only thru God’s grace I am telling my story today cancer free,” she said.