One Day at a Time: Caregiving Through Ocular Melanoma

In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Tompkins, wife and caregiver to Mike, who has been battling Stage 4 metastasized ocular melanoma. Over the past five years, Vanessa has supported Mike through weekly immunotherapy, four major surgeries—including the removal of his left eye, liver surgery, triple hernia repair, and open-heart surgery—and countless challenges along the way.

A registered nurse, former hospice nurse, and current Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner, Vanessa brings professional expertise, personal experience, and unwavering compassion to her role as a caregiver. She is also a mother of three, grandmother of four, and devoted owner of her golden lab, Romeo. Guided by her motto, “One day at a time,” Vanessa shares insights into the realities of caregiving, the emotional resilience required, and the lessons learned in supporting a loved one through a complex and ongoing cancer journey.

Tune in to hear her story, practical tips, and heartfelt reflections on the challenges and rewards of being a caregiver.