Melanoma, Lymphoma and The Three Young Reasons I Support Cancer Research
Rob is riding in this fall's Philadelphia Ride to Conquer Cancer®, a 2-day, 150*-mile bike ride that benefits the Abramson Cancer Center. In 2006, Rob's wife, Edith, lost her battle with cancer leaving behind three young children. Just months later, Rob was diagnosed with melanoma. In this blog, he shares his story.
In 2005, I had it all – a beautiful wife, a high profile job on Wall Street, a wonderful home in the Philadelphia suburbs, and three adorable children. But our lives were about to dramatically change.
It was New Year’s Eve, and my wife complained of shortness of breath and started vomiting. At the emergency room, a scan revealed a large mass in her chest cutting off her main artery and crowding her lungs and stomach. Three days later she was diagnosed with PMBL lymphoma – a form of cancer that strikes women of child-bearing age. Six short months later, she had failed all therapies and we were in a desperate fight to delay the inevitable. When she died in early October, she left behind three small children – ages 4, 6 and 7 – and a huge hole in our lives.
Two months after her death I was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma – a mole on my back that had been neglected while I cared for my wife. I remember telling my dermatologist “I can’t have cancer. My wife just died and I have three small children to care for.”
The standard of surgical care for the mole on my back involved removing an area the size of a salad plate. I returned to work two days later pretending that nothing had happened. Miraculously, I was able to keep up with my high stress job while holding things together as a single parent.
However, melanoma is terribly tenacious. In less than two years it was back. This time in my lymph system and the odds were not in my favor.
I must admit that I hesitated to get treatment. There was a high probability the surgery, which would remove 22 lymph nodes from my groin and left leg, would lead to lymphedema – a progressive, degenerative swelling of my leg. I had led a very active life and I had no desire to spend the rest of it disabled. I delayed the decision for almost two months. In the end, I decided to have both the surgery and follow-up chemotherapy in the hope of remaining healthy enough to care for my children. Post-surgery, the physical therapist told me it was unlikely that I would be able to ride a bike again. Cycling was my passion.
But here I am. I received my treatment at the Abramson Cancer Center under the supervision of Dr. Lynn Schuchter. Thankfully, due to their excellent care, I am NED (no evidence of disease). In an effort to help fight this disease, I have signed up for the Ride to Conquer Cancer, and am a member of Team Mission Melanoma. We plan to ride 150 miles this October 11 and 12 to help support cancer research at Abramson Cancer Center. Won’t you join us in supporting the fight against cancer?
Sign up to ride with us, or, make a donation to my team here.
My family and I thank you. Together we can find a cure.
Join Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) on October 11 to 12, 2014 in the Philadelphia Ride to Conquer Cancer (RTCC)—an unforgettable and epic bike ride through Pennsylvania’s picturesque landscape -towards one life-changing destination: to cure cancer. The ride isn't just for cyclists, it's for anyone who wants to see a cure for cancer.
At two-days and 150+ miles, the RTCC will be a physical challenge—and an emotional and inspirational weekend—that will give you a chance to ride side by side with physicians, patients and families --raising serious funds and awareness in the ACC’s fight to cure cancer.
Before the ride, you will have access to:
*actual route distance may vary by up to 30 miles.
In 2005, I had it all – a beautiful wife, a high profile job on Wall Street, a wonderful home in the Philadelphia suburbs, and three adorable children. But our lives were about to dramatically change.
It was New Year’s Eve, and my wife complained of shortness of breath and started vomiting. At the emergency room, a scan revealed a large mass in her chest cutting off her main artery and crowding her lungs and stomach. Three days later she was diagnosed with PMBL lymphoma – a form of cancer that strikes women of child-bearing age. Six short months later, she had failed all therapies and we were in a desperate fight to delay the inevitable. When she died in early October, she left behind three small children – ages 4, 6 and 7 – and a huge hole in our lives.Two months after her death I was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma – a mole on my back that had been neglected while I cared for my wife. I remember telling my dermatologist “I can’t have cancer. My wife just died and I have three small children to care for.”
The standard of surgical care for the mole on my back involved removing an area the size of a salad plate. I returned to work two days later pretending that nothing had happened. Miraculously, I was able to keep up with my high stress job while holding things together as a single parent.
However, melanoma is terribly tenacious. In less than two years it was back. This time in my lymph system and the odds were not in my favor.I must admit that I hesitated to get treatment. There was a high probability the surgery, which would remove 22 lymph nodes from my groin and left leg, would lead to lymphedema – a progressive, degenerative swelling of my leg. I had led a very active life and I had no desire to spend the rest of it disabled. I delayed the decision for almost two months. In the end, I decided to have both the surgery and follow-up chemotherapy in the hope of remaining healthy enough to care for my children. Post-surgery, the physical therapist told me it was unlikely that I would be able to ride a bike again. Cycling was my passion.
But here I am. I received my treatment at the Abramson Cancer Center under the supervision of Dr. Lynn Schuchter. Thankfully, due to their excellent care, I am NED (no evidence of disease). In an effort to help fight this disease, I have signed up for the Ride to Conquer Cancer, and am a member of Team Mission Melanoma. We plan to ride 150 miles this October 11 and 12 to help support cancer research at Abramson Cancer Center. Won’t you join us in supporting the fight against cancer?
Sign up to ride with us, or, make a donation to my team here.
My family and I thank you. Together we can find a cure.
The Ride to Conquer Cancer
At two-days and 150+ miles, the RTCC will be a physical challenge—and an emotional and inspirational weekend—that will give you a chance to ride side by side with physicians, patients and families --raising serious funds and awareness in the ACC’s fight to cure cancer.
Before the ride, you will have access to:
- Expert coaching
- Training rides in your area
- Personal web page for fundraising
- Helpful manual
- 2014 ride commemorative item
- Event-day ride jersey
- Support along the route
- Catered meals
- Entertainment at camp
- Massage and medical care
Join Today
This event will be remarkable, bringing together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists, and their supporters with a common goal to conquer this disease. Join the ride in October by registering today at www.ridetovictory.org or by calling (844) 777-7433.*actual route distance may vary by up to 30 miles.
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Ride to Conquer Cancer
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