Allie Dashow was on the brink of completing her clinical psychology doctorate in May 2022 when an unexpected medical diagnosis changed the trajectory of her life. Just a month before her graduation, Dashow began experiencing intermittent shooting pains in her left eye. At the time, she didn’t attribute much significance to the discomfort, which she described as infrequent.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Allie-Dashow-3-022326-2bb8a7fe30c24288981c1f5782cca96f.jpg)
Graduating from Long Island University Post, the 26-year-old felt hopeful and relieved to be transitioning from academic pressures to a more stable phase of life, finally able to earn a living and relax after years of hard work. However, shortly after her graduation, she faced a daunting challenge that would test her resilience and determination.
After a routine examination, her optometrist detected fluid behind Dashow’s retina. The specialist subsequently conducted an ultrasound of her eye, which led to an unsettling remark from the doctor: “Oh, this looks really interesting.” Dashow recounted that such comments from a physician rarely bode well. Initially assured it was not cancer, she was advised to consult an oncologist for further assessment.
The diagnosis of ocular melanoma—a rare and potentially aggressive form of eye cancer—came as a shocking revelation. “I still remember that moment of being told that,” she reflected. “It feels like another life, right? Hearing the word cancer… it’s everyone’s worst fear, and at the same time, you never think you’re going to be that person.” Dashow, who does not fall into the usual high-risk categories for this type of cancer, was left questioning the very nature of her illness.
Ocular melanoma most commonly affects older individuals with lighter eye colours, but Dashow, at 26 with dark eyes, did not fit the typical profile. “I don’t have any of the genes that make you more susceptible,” she stated. This left her pondering, not in self-pity, but in disbelief, about why this bizarre twist of fate had occurred to her.
In exploring her condition, Dashow delved into extensive research, discovering that many patients with ocular melanoma face a grim prognosis, as the cancer often spreads to the liver or lungs. Determined to confront her diagnosis, she sought out Dr. Paul Finger, a specialist in ocular oncology who recommended plaque brachytherapy, a targeted treatment involving the surgical implantation of a radioactive device directly onto the tumour. This approach was designed to deliver radiation specifically to the malignancy over a week-long period.
Following the procedure on June 29, Dashow had to adhere to strict isolation protocols because of the radiation—needing to maintain a distance of six to seven feet from others. Fortunately, the treatment proved successful, and Dashow expressed relief in knowing that her eye tumour was now inactive: “The tumour is in my eye, but it is dead,” she declared, adding that the chance of recurrence was quite low.
Nonetheless, Dashow continues to undergo regular medical surveillance to monitor her health, with MRI scans of her liver conducted every four months and annual CT scans of her lungs. “As of now, no evidence of disease, thank God it hasn’t spread,” she shared. Navigating the emotional stress associated with her health, she spoke candidly about “scanxiety”—the anxiety leading up to medical results, a feeling all too familiar for many patients living with cancer.
While coping with some residual effects of her treatment—such as distorted vision in her left eye and radiation retinopathy, a progressive loss of vision from radiation therapy—Dashow maintains a proactive approach to her health. To combat radiation retinopathy, she receives injections directly into her eye every five weeks.
Now, three years post-diagnosis, Dashow has taken on a new role as an advocate for health awareness. “It is essential to stay on top of your health and attend medical appointments,” she emphasised, encouraging others to prioritise screenings, check-ups, and early detection of potential health issues. “The sooner you know, the better, right? Then you can kind of be in the driver’s seat and make informed decisions.”
Allie Dashow’s journey reflects not just a personal battle against cancer but a compelling reminder of the importance of vigilance regarding one’s health. Her story is one of resilience, knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to not just surviving but thriving in the face of adversity.