A Central Coast man is confronting a devastating stage four melanoma diagnosis, despite receiving a clean skin check just four months earlier. The rapid progression of the disease has left his family reeling and determined to sound the alarm about the limitations of current detection methods.
A Devastating Diagnosis After a Clear Check
In August 2025, 51-year-old Troy Sullivan from Terrigal underwent a routine skin examination that found nothing of concern. By December, he was being treated for an aggressive stage four melanoma that had already spread to multiple organs. Doctors have been unable to locate the primary source of the cancer, classifying it as a 'melanoma of unknown primary'.
"You can have a lesion on your skin, but your body is able to heal it," Troy explained. In such cases, cancer cells can break away from that disappearing lesion and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, leading to metastasis before any visible sign remains.
An Aggressive Battle Across Multiple Fronts
The cancer has spread extensively throughout Troy's body. It is present in his bladder, kidneys, lungs, bones, and even a small amount on his heart. The severity of his condition became terrifyingly clear when his chest cavity filled with fluid, preventing his lungs from functioning properly.
He was rushed to Gosford Hospital's intensive care unit, where a chest drain removed over four litres of fluid. "We thought we were going to lose him. That was the worst day of my life. It was the most frightening thing ever," said his wife, Kelly Walton.
Troy, a self-employed coffee van operator, had shown almost no symptoms prior to his diagnosis a month ago. A week of night sweats prompted urine and blood tests that uncovered the shocking truth.
A Family's Mission and a Community's Support
Kelly has vowed to turn their personal tragedy into a force for awareness. "I will make it my mission to raise awareness, so we can find a way to detect melanoma earlier," she stated. "Surely we can do better. Obviously our regular skin checks are not enough."
His sister, Erin Sullivan, has started a GoFundMe campaign titled "Help Troy fund the fight ahead" to support him financially, as he has no access to sick leave. She describes her brother as a "humble, strong-willed, focused and funny, big-hearted human we love".
Troy is now undergoing immunotherapy treatment. He has also had genetic testing to determine if he carries the BRAF mutation, which is present in about half of all melanoma cases. If positive, he could access targeted therapy drugs that have proven effective against advanced melanoma.
Reflecting on his lifestyle, Troy acknowledges his time spent outdoors as a former competitive cyclist, triathlete, and swimming coach of 15 years likely contributed to his sun exposure. "My sun hygiene isn't as good as it should be. I'll definitely look to be a lot more diligent," he admitted.
While Troy focuses on his "process-driven" approach to treatment, taking each step as it comes, Kelly is grappling with the emotional toll. "I'm a bit of a mess. I just have to believe. Troy is really healthy and fit. I know he's going to fight this," she said.
The Terrigal and wider Central Coast community has rallied around the family. Troy expressed deep gratitude for the support and for the "unbelievable" staff at Gosford Hospital who have cared for him. His story is a stark reminder of melanoma's insidious nature and the urgent need for improved early detection strategies.
