(Again, I’m keeping this Friends-Only for now.)
The results of the biopsy were not good. I’ve been diagonosed officially with skin cancer. A malignant melanoma.
So, the next week is spent meeting with various doctors, running tests, all leading up to Monday the 22nd, when I’m scheduled for surgery.
They’re going to remove the melanoma, along with a fairly sizeable chunk of the tissue surrounding it, patch a skin graft from my other thigh, and also do a “sentinel node” test — they inject the site with radioactive material, and if any of that material shows up in the lymph nodes nearby, they remove those nodes as well.
There will be post-surgery therapies, possibly radiation, chemo or bioimmune — I’ll be talking to the oncologist on Tuesday.
That’s the bad news. The good news:
1) we have a plan of action,
2) this is a standard procedure,
3) the doctor’s examination showed no further areas of concern,
4) it’s on an extremity, rather than my head or trunk
5) I’m 37, which means that a lot of treatments are available to me that wouldn’t be do-able if I was 60 or older. I’m strong.
I hate to hit you all with something as cliched as “I’m gonna beat this thing”, but….well, damn it, I’m gonna beat this thing.
Of course you’re going to beat it.
We’ll keep the good thoughts on the front burner.
>>I hate to hit you all with something as cliched as “I’m gonna beat this thing”, but….well, damn it, I’m gonna beat this thing.
We never questioned that.
You could say, “I’m going to take my sword and hack this thing to little bloody pieces that will shower down upon the peasants like the pox.”
Or you know, something else gratuitous and silly.
I’ve been through this with friends and my dad. Of course you’ll beat this thing! Now, I cannot do anything up close and personal for you but what can I do from here? I have an ongoing Reiki long distance practice and I will gladly add you for healing if you would like to be included.
My heart to you…
S~
Know well that we have your back, Gareth.
Anything you need.
D.
Good luck sir. If you need any help with anythiny that I might be able to help out with of temporary manage for you please let me know!
Best wishes,
rock on, my brutha.
If you ever need to talk about anything, let me know.
I shall quote the teenager: “Ahem. It’s a skin cancer, not skin cancer.” End quote. :)
I still say we need to build a Rimbaldi cube for the tissue.
If my 96-yr old grandfather can beat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, you’ve got this thing COLD. :)
I have every confidence in your success on this endeavor, and if you need anything at all, I’m at your disposal.
No question that you will beat it! We send our love.
I’m thinking doses of hot spicy food and Hammer movies would help! Whaddaya think?
well, damn it, I’m gonna beat this thing.
Of that we have no doubt.
And I hate to hit you with something as cliched as “lemme know if you need anything”, but…lemme know if you need anything.
Get it done smothy. You’ve got more interesting things waiting for your attention!
Er, smoothly, even.
Dude… You’re definitely in my thoughts, and I’m not sure I can do anything from here, but if you ask, I’ll do my damnedest to make it happen.
I’ll just add to the chorus of supportive voices. If there’s anything I can do…
and I’ll use my rights as birthday girl to deem that it must be so (So say we all).
*hugs*
Gods. Take care of yourself. Please let me know if there is anything I can do make your life easier–including bringing over a casserole or soup sometime.
Your attitude tells me you have this thing almost already beat, man. As with the others, if you need or want anything that I can provide, don’t hesitate to ask.
Fuck, not the news I was hoping to hear but as others have said, I have no doubt you’ll kick its ass. As others have already said, anything we can do just let us know.
As others have said, of course you’re going to beat it. I’m concerned, but not worried. And we will revel in your victory.
Sorry to hear it, bud, but I agree–it could be considerably worse. And you will beat it.
Doom says kick it’s ass!
Look at all your positive peoples, man you are a lucky bastard!
(here for you)
Christ. Good luck.
You’re not just gonna beat it, you’re gonna make an example of it. Beat it so mercilessly that other ailments will think twice before attempting infection. You won’t even need radiation or chemo, you’ll have the power of staring the melanoma right out of existence.
Of course, that may take a little while, so best of luck anyway.
Sorry to hear the news, and glad you are taking action. Good for you for getting it checked, though! Most people wouldn’t have. You can and will beat it.
Oh that would cheer me up immensely- no wait- you were talking about Gareth. I am so glad to hear you are going well, and have my mind made up that he will be too. Movies! Yes!
Yes, yes you are going to beat this thing, and we are here to help all we can.
Let me know if/when you have appoints during the day that I can help with Yosa-shuttle to and from. Or, if just getting out of the house would be nice too.
All will turn out well, and I really do have complete faith in that, I’m not just giving you lipservice here. Despite that, my thoughts are with you throughout the process.
Can I get a “hell yeah” to you beating this?
I think I can…*grin*
Love you honey, and defintely here as one of the masses who have your back.
I’ve only just read this. I’m wishing you all the best for the surgery, though I’m confident that if someone can make it through something like this, it’s you.