Radioactive

Let's Talk Cancer

I feel a need to take a time out from my early days to give you a snapshot as to where we are at this point in my life.  To give some understanding of my upcoming surgeries, and most recent diagnosis of lymphoma, we do need to go back to my cancer genesis.  I will return to my chronological history after this interruption.  For those who do not know me well, I really do have cancer.  Honest.

About My First Cancer Diagnosis

On the radio: Every Breath You Take by The Police
In my bloodstream: Nothing at that time

My first round with cancer came in 1993 in Toronto.  There was a small, hard bit of crust on my right wrist, which never healed.  I also had an irritating little bump on the top, back part of my head.  It was hardly noticeable, but caused some discomfort when I lay down on my back, when it rubbed on the pillow.

During my diagnosis, complete with the requisite full body scan, the doctor asked me about a “stain” on my back, just below my neck - think giant freckle covering most of the area between the shoulder blades.  It was smooth, but irregularly shaped.  Probably about 8 or 9 inches across its widest part.  I had had it for some time, but as it had never been an issue and because it was not in my field of vision, I had never paid it attention.  Kath had suggested I have it inspected.   Clever girl that she is.

Now it didn’t matter what I thought. The area between my shoulders was the area with which the doctor was most concerned.  He removed the irritant on my arm, biopsied my back and head, then scheduled surgery that week.

The cancer on my head was removed, leaving a  small wound when it was done.  It was biopsied  as a basal cell and the margins were determined to be free of tumor.  The back surgery was a significant, sideways “s” shaped flap.  It was deep and debilitating.  It was recorded as a superficially invasive malignant melanoma and the excision left no issue with the surrounding margins.  Dr. Starr considered it to be a successful surgery, with excellent prospects.  If he only knew "the rest of the story".


My normal, active life was being interrupted and I was not happy.  I could work, but my leisure time activities were to be put on hold.  It is amazing how much you miss something the moment you can’t have it. No more running, golf or tennis.

I was angry and disappointed with my body for its weakness.

There was no way I was going to let cancer control my life.  The following week I played a previously scheduled tennis match and broke all the stitches open.  Blood everywhere.  About ten inches of stitches were torn open.  I stayed to finish the match.  How ridiculous.

                                                                  Tennis Score:
                                                                Cancer -1, Rob - 0.

This was most certainly not the only dumb thing I’ve ever done, but it was probably in the top 10.

The medics in the ER were not impressed by my stupidity and took their time re-stitching the wound.  I could see them whispering with one another and staring at me.  I figured they were debating whether or not I was the biggest asshole that had ever come through their doors.  I knew enough not to press the issue.   No tennis or golf for six more weeks.  Arghhhhh!


No more cancer issues in Canada.  Everything had been surgically removed.  My body was behaving again.  Body normal.  Mind - crazy as ever.

Fast forward to the present day.  I am scheduled for five surgeries tomorrow - two on my right leg and one on my right arm.  The others are both on my head.  One near the crown is a mixture of squamous cell and melanoma.  I am advised that as it is in situ, removal should eliminate any concern for a return of said melanoma.  Hope they are right.

I had Theresa, my barber, shave my head completely this weekend to alleviate some of the prep work in surgery.  The operations are planned to be done under local anesthetic at this point.  Obviously, the head divots will be difficult to cover and healing will take a protracted amount of time.  My best guess - 7 weeks or so.  Most of you will not have seen the more recent method for treating open wounds when there is no skin available for closure.  It is an unusual looking bandage.  Not attractive.  Kath will take before and after pics for your amusement.

Next week .....