---
description: Melanoma survivor Kelly Leggett was proactive about getting his skin checked, which ultimately saved his life. 
title: "Burn, Peel, Repeat”: A Stage IV Melanoma Survivor Reflects on His Youthful Mistakes - The Skin Cancer Foundation
image: https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/KellyLeggett.jpg
---

 

![Sun & Skin News]() 

# “Burn, Peel, Repeat”: A Stage IV Melanoma Survivor Reflects on His Youthful Mistakes

 By Skin Cancer Foundation •  Published On: May 4, 2018 •  Last Updated: June 9, 2021 

![melanoma-survivor](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/KellyLeggett.jpg) 

#### Melanoma survivor Kelly Leggett was proactive about getting his skin checked, which ultimately saved his life.

Growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, we had a different relationship with the sun. We didn’t think we looked good or “healthy” unless we had a tan. Ironic, isn’t it? I spent many hours in my teens and 20s laying out in the sun – burn, peel, repeat…until the tan took hold.

In 2003, I noticed a mole behind my right ear that seemed to be changing. At a routine check-up I asked my doctor to look at the mole; he told me it was nothing to worry about. Some time went by and I noticed the mole had changed dramatically so I went back to my doctor. Again, he told me it was nothing, but my gut told me otherwise, so I asked for a referral to a dermatologist. The dermatologist removed the mole immediately, sent it out for a biopsy and told me that he’d follow up in a week. When he called two days later and asked to see me right away, I knew I was in trouble.

I was diagnosed with melanoma stage IIB in July 2007\. Surgery was required to remove all the cancerous tissue, and plastic surgery a week later to restore the area. My oncologist prescribed a 12-month regimen of high-dose interferon injections. When the interferon treatments ended the following year, my scans showed no evidence of cancer.

In July 2009, a routine chest x-ray came back abnormal. Additional scans revealed that the cancer had returned and spread to my lymph nodes, lungs, spine, liver, spleen and pelvis. My doctor told me that the tumors were too numerous to count. I learned that the [melanoma had advanced to stage IV](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/the-stages-of-melanoma) just a week before my 48th birthday.

> At that time there was only one FDA-approved course of action for metastatic melanoma, and the success rate for it was only about 10 percent. If I did nothing, I had six months to live.

Losing my life was not an option, so I decided to move forward with the therapy. In October 2009, several weeks after completing the first round of treatments, additional CT and PET scans revealed the tumors were shrinking. I underwent two more rounds of treatment which was the maximum allowed.

In February 2011, I got the best news I could have imagined: My scans showed no evidence of disease. I felt beyond grateful and overjoyed. I was finally cancer free and have been ever since.

Before my cancer diagnosis, I wasn’t taking the proper measures to protect my skin. Now, I visit my dermatologist every three months for skin exams and wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing daily.

This month, I’m joining The Skin Cancer Foundation in their efforts to help people understand the risks of skin cancer and how to prevent it. In just a few weeks, the Foundation will once again hit the road, bringing its _[Destination: Healthy Skin](https://www.destinationhealthyskin.org)_ program to communities around the country. The Foundation’s 38-foot RV, customized with two private exam rooms, will travel 10,000 miles to provide free full-body skin cancer screenings along with educational materials and sun protection giveaways.

Please consider donating $15 to “Buy a Mile” and support the 10,000 mile journey. Being proactive about getting my skin checked ultimately saved my life. [Your gift today](https://www.skincancer.org/give) could save someone else’s.

##### Categories

* [Ask the Expert](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/ask-the-expert/)
* [Child Sun Safety](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/child-sun-safety/)
* [Destination Healthy Skin](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/destination-healthy-skin/)
* [Healthy Lifestyle](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/healthy-lifestyle/)
* [Inside The Skin Cancer Foundation](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/inside-the-skin-cancer-foundation/)
* [Monthly Newsletter](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/enews/)
* [News & Research](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/news-research/)
* [Skin Cancer Awareness Month](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/skin-cancer-awareness-month/)
* [Skin Cancer Information](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/skin-cancer-information/)
* [Skin Cancer Myths & Misinformation](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/skin-cancer-myths-misinformation/)
* [Skin of Color](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/skin-of-color/)
* [Tanning](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/tanning/)
* [The Big See](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/the-big-see/)
* [The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/the-skin-cancer-foundation-journal/)
* [This Is Skin Cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/true-stories/)
* [Why We Give](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/why-we-give/)

##### Follow Us

[](http://twitter.com/SkinCancerOrg) [ ](https://www.pinterest.com/skincancerorg/)

##### [Sign up for newsletter](https://www.skincancer.org/newsletter-sign-up/)

##### Popular Posts

* [Ask the Expert: Does a High SPF Protect My Skin Better?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-does-a-high-spf-protect-my-skin-better/)
* [Why Does My Skin Peel When I Get Sunburned, and What Should I Do About It?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/why-does-my-skin-peel-when-i-get-sunburned/)
* [DIY Don’ts: Why At-Home Mole Removal Is a Bad Idea](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/diy-donts-why-at-home-mole-removal-is-a-bad-idea/)
* [Amelanotic Melanoma: It Doesn’t Look Like Other Melanomas](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/amelanotic-melanoma-it-doesnt-look-like-other-melanomas/)
* [Ask the Expert: Painful Moles](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-expert-painful-moles/)
* [How Dangerous is Melanoma? It’s All a Matter of Timing](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/dangerous-melanoma-matter-timing/)
* [Sun Protection and Vitamin D](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sun-protection-and-vitamin-d/)

![]()

![2025 top rated non profit]()

[](https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/248c6aa7-9ca9-4489-81b8-69bd7ed2f3d5)

[ Make a Donation ](https://give.skincancer.org/SCFDonate) 

* [Prevention▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/)
  * [Skin Cancer Prevention](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/)
  * [Recommended Products](https://www.skincancer.org/recommended-products/)
  * [Sun Protection▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/)
    * [Sunscreen](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/)
    * [Eye Protection](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/eye-protection/)
    * [Sun Protective Clothing](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-protective-clothing/)
    * [UV Window Film & Tint](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/uv-window-film/)
    * [Vitamin D](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/vitamin-d/)
  * [Seal of Recommendation](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/seal-of-recommendation-archived/)
* [Skin Cancer Information▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/)
  * [Skin Cancer Information](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/)
  * [Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/)
  * [Newly Diagnosed with Skin Cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/newly-diagnosed-with-skin-cancer/)
  * [Skin Cancer Pictures | What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-pictures/)
  * [Skin Cancer in Skin of Color](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-skin-of-color/)
  * [Actinic Keratosis▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/)
    * [Actinic Keratosis Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/causes-and-risk-factors/)
    * [Actinic Keratosis Warning Signs and Images](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/actinic-keratosis-warning-signs-and-images/)
    * [Actinic Keratosis Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/actinic-keratosis-treatment-options/)
  * [Basal Cell Carcinoma▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/)
    * [Basal Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-causes-and-risk-factors/)
    * [Basal Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-warning-signs-images/)
    * [Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-treatment-options/)
  * [Melanoma▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/)
    * [Melanoma Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-causes-and-risk-factors/)
    * [Melanoma Warning Signs and Images](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-warning-signs-and-images/)
    * [Melanoma Stages](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/the-stages-of-melanoma/)
    * [Melanoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-treatments/)
  * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/)
    * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-risk-factors/)
    * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-warning-signs/)
    * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Stages](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-stages/)
    * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-treatment/)
    * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Patient Support Center](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-patient-support/)
  * [Squamous Cell Carcinoma▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/)
    * [Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/scc-causes-and-risk-factors/)
    * [Squamous Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/scc-warning-signs-and-images/)
    * [Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/scc-treatment-options/)
    * [Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/advanced-scc/)
  * [Rare Skin Cancers](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/rare-skin-cancers/)
* [Risk Factors▼](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/)
  * [Skin Cancer Myths & Misinformation](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/skin-cancer-myths-misinformation/)
  * [Working Outdoors](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/working-outdoors/)
  * [Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/)
  * [Tanning](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/tanning/)
  * [Sunburn](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/sunburn/)
  * [Atypical Moles](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/atypical-moles/)
  * [UV Radiation](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/)
  * [Photosensitivity](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/photosensitivity/)
  * [Skin Type](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/skin-type/)
* [Early Detection▼](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/)
  * [Early Detection](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/)
  * [Self-Exams](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/self-exams/)
  * [Annual Exams](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/annual-exams/)
  * [Find a Dermatologist](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/find-a-dermatologist/)
  * [Destination Healthy Skin▼](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/destination-healthy-skin/)
    * [Schedule](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/destination-healthy-skin/schedule/)
    * [Physician Volunteers](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/destination-healthy-skin/physician-volunteers/)
  * [The Big See](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/the-big-see/)
* [Treatment & Resources▼](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/)
  * [Treatment & Resources](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/)
  * [Mohs Surgery](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/mohs-surgery/)
  * [Skin Cancer Treatment Glossary](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/treatment-glossary/)
  * [Find a Dermatologist](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/find-a-dermatologist/)
  * [Support Resources▼](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/)
    * [Robins Nest](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/robins-nest/)
    * [COVID-19 and You](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/robins-nest/covid-19-and-you/)
* [Blog](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-foundation-blog/)
* [Get Involved▼](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/)
  * [Get Involved](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/donate/)
  * [Your Donation at Work](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/your-donation-at-work/)
  * [Connect With Us](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/connect-with-us/)
  * [Sign Up for Newsletter](https://www.skincancer.org/newsletter-sign-up/)
  * [SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/safe-sunscreen-standards-act/)
  * [Petition Update](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/sign-the-petition/)
  * [Skin Cancer Awareness Toolkit](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/skin-cancer-awareness-month/toolkit/)
  * [Skin Cancer Awareness Month](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/skin-cancer-awareness-month/)
  * [Share Your Story](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/share-your-story/)
  * [Create a Fundraiser](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/become-a-champion/)
  * [Champions for Change Gala](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/gala/)
  * [For Medical Providers](https://provider.skincancer.org/)
* [About Us▼](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/)
  * [About Us](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/)
  * [Who We Are](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/who-we-are/)
  * [What We Do](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/what-we-do/)
  * [Web Store](https://store.skincancer.org/)
  * [Research Grants](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/research-grants/)
  * [Press Room](https://www.skincancer.org/media-and-press/)
  * [Publications](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/publications/)
  * [Corporate Council](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/who-we-are/corporate-council/)
  * [Education Programs](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/education-programs/)
  * [Contact Us](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/contact-us/)

  
[Find a Dermatologist](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/find-a-dermatologist/)  
  
[Recommended Products](https://www.skincancer.org/recommended-products/)   
  

```json
{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/burn-peel-repeat-stage-iv-melanoma-survivor-reflects-youthful-mistakes\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/burn-peel-repeat-stage-iv-melanoma-survivor-reflects-youthful-mistakes\/"},"author":{"name":"Skin Cancer Foundation","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#\/schema\/person\/77f1ad8cb112be1b1ac2c792401b18b4"},"headline":"“Burn, Peel, Repeat”: A Stage IV Melanoma Survivor Reflects on His Youthful Mistakes","datePublished":"2018-05-04T17:17:48+00:00","dateModified":"2021-06-09T14:42:34+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/burn-peel-repeat-stage-iv-melanoma-survivor-reflects-youthful-mistakes\/"},"wordCount":574,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/burn-peel-repeat-stage-iv-melanoma-survivor-reflects-youthful-mistakes\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/KellyLeggett.jpg","keywords":["Melanoma"],"articleSection":["Destination Healthy Skin","This Is Skin Cancer"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/burn-peel-repeat-stage-iv-melanoma-survivor-reflects-youthful-mistakes\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/burn-peel-repeat-stage-iv-melanoma-survivor-reflects-youthful-mistakes\/","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/burn-peel-repeat-stage-iv-melanoma-survivor-reflects-youthful-mistakes\/","name":"\"Burn, Peel, Repeat”: A Stage IV Melanoma Survivor Reflects on His Youthful Mistakes - The Skin Cancer Foundation","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/burn-peel-repeat-stage-iv-melanoma-survivor-reflects-youthful-mistakes\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/burn-peel-repeat-stage-iv-melanoma-survivor-reflects-youthful-mistakes\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/KellyLeggett.jpg","datePublished":"2018-05-04T17:17:48+00:00","dateModified":"2021-06-09T14:42:34+00:00","description":"Melanoma survivor Kelly Leggett was proactive about getting his skin checked, which ultimately saved his life. ","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/burn-peel-repeat-stage-iv-melanoma-survivor-reflects-youthful-mistakes\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/burn-peel-repeat-stage-iv-melanoma-survivor-reflects-youthful-mistakes\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/burn-peel-repeat-stage-iv-melanoma-survivor-reflects-youthful-mistakes\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/KellyLeggett.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/KellyLeggett.jpg","width":800,"height":571,"caption":"melanoma-survivor"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/burn-peel-repeat-stage-iv-melanoma-survivor-reflects-youthful-mistakes\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-foundation-blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"“Burn, Peel, Repeat”: A Stage IV Melanoma Survivor Reflects on His Youthful Mistakes"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/","name":"The Skin Cancer Foundation","description":"Education, prevention, early detection, and treatment of skin cancer","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#organization","name":"The Skin Cancer Foundation","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/SCF-Logo-2025-4C.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/SCF-Logo-2025-4C.png","width":1199,"height":1254,"caption":"The Skin Cancer Foundation"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/skincancerfoundation","https:\/\/x.com\/skincancerorg","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/skincancerorg\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-skin-cancer-foundation\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/skincancer\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/SkinCancerFoundation","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Skin_Cancer_Foundation","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@skincancerorg"],"description":"The Skin Cancer Foundation saves and improves lives. We empower people to take a proactive approach to daily sun protection and the early detection and treatment of skin cancer.","email":"info@skincancer.org","telephone":"(212) 725-5176","legalName":"The Skin Cancer Foundation"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#\/schema\/person\/77f1ad8cb112be1b1ac2c792401b18b4","name":"Skin Cancer Foundation","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/aa3a8a6e8f52a2fe3efd6ecc44be7b960dd46e4c5eba7f2bc30f6bf632192c4e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/aa3a8a6e8f52a2fe3efd6ecc44be7b960dd46e4c5eba7f2bc30f6bf632192c4e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/aa3a8a6e8f52a2fe3efd6ecc44be7b960dd46e4c5eba7f2bc30f6bf632192c4e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Skin Cancer Foundation"},"url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/author\/scf-admin\/"}]}
```