The Results Are In
By Wyatt Earp | October 12, 2009
Well, I was never one for suspense, so here goes:
I have skin cancer. More specifically, I have basal cell carcinoma.
The good news is that basal cell is usually non-fatal, and less dangerous than melanoma. The bad news is that it is still cancer, and I will have to have surgery to get it all removed from my left temple. That should be a lot of fun, since the surgery is set for November 25th, the day before Thanksgiving.
According to the dermatologist, the surgeon will remover a layer of skin, and examine it for cancer cells. That will continue until all of the cancerous skin is removed. Unfortunately, I have a very high chance of recurrence, so as the doc told me, “Your beach days are over.” I have to use sunscreen every time I am out in the sun and I’ll have to wear a baseball cap or other such head covering.
So, as a result, I’ll be doling out more information about skin cancer and great organizations like the American Cancer Society and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
In the meantime, I’ll keep you up to date on my progress, but fear not: I’m beating this. I am about to make cancer my bitch.
Topics: All About Wyatt, Cancer | 63 Comments »
October 12th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Sorry to hear man. With you all the way!
October 12th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I say that not only should it be your bitch, make it call you Daddy!
Seriously…good luck and I’ll keep you in my prayers. I had a scare a while back and thankfully it turned out to be nothing, but still the scariest moment of my life.
Make sure you kick sand in that bitches face for good measure…
October 12th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Wyatt, I am so sorry. My husband had the Mohs procedure just as you are having and it is relatively painless as far as surgeries go. Like I said before, slather that sunscreen on and we will all buy stock in Coppertone. I wish you nothing but the best and will keep you and the family in my prayers. God Bless.
October 12th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
You can wear this to the beach:
http://www.mumumamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/homer_mumu-397×500.jpg
October 12th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Sorry to hear about this little set back.
That is the spirit!
Make it your bitch.
October 12th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Good luck and a speedy recovery. Time for the floppy hat when you out in the sun.
October 12th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Stay positive! Whatever happens do not look at this in a negative way at all, I have had family members go through cancer and those that stayed positive are still here enjoying life. Heck you want to be around for that Saturn to be worth something as a collectible someday.
October 12th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Praying for you, Wyatt.
October 12th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Glenn – Thanks. Gonna be a fun couple of weeks until the surgery.
Ryan – My top priority right now is making sure I don’t miss any hockey. That’s how confident I am.
MeToo – I have a bunch of baseball caps – used to wear them all the time when my psoriasis was bad – so they won’t be an issue. Sunscreen won’t be a problem, either.
Randal – “I don’t want to look like a freak. Just give me the mumu!”
Admiral – Done and done.
Ingineer66 – When the family goes to the beach, I’ll have to stay in the air-conditioned arcade. Oh darn!
Ed – And all of my North Catholic lacrosse gear!
Piper – Thanks much!
October 12th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Hang in there pal. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Do whatever it takes.
October 12th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
“When the family goes to the beach, I’ll have to stay in the air-conditioned arcade. Oh darn!”
LMAO Wyatt. That’s exactly what I was going to suggest. Me personally, I stay home at my airconditioned arcade.
Take care of yourself.
October 12th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Look into something like a boonie hat so your ears are safe too.
You’re lucky I don’t know your hat size or I’d send you a big white cowboy hat.
October 12th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Just a minor set back… Nothing more… Your indomitable spirit WILL prevail!
October 12th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
At least there’s very good news in it not being melanoma and what sounds like a reasonable removal surgery. So yay for a good attitude!
The sunscreen really isn’t so bad, especially now. When I remember (which is most of the time), I just spray myself down with it. There are many more options now than ever before. Plus, it’s not nearly as hard to generally keep covered and out of the sun as many folks think. I used to get deep, beautiful (non-leathery) tans and my hair used to naturally bleach itself blonde when I was getting those tans. When I found out that melanoma is the most common ailment in my family, I cut that crap out in a heartbeat.
That said, I do believe that some of the many fine Philly-area bloggers should gather to toast your effort to make cancer your bitch!
October 12th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
You’ll be okay. On the bright side, at least it’s not ball or butthole cancer.
October 12th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
[...] Wyatt has been diagnosed with skin cancer. Fortunately, it’s a treatable variety. We wish him a speedy recovery. [...]
October 12th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
You will be fine!
Neutrogena makes a nice spray-on, non-greasy sun block. I think a sombrero would be a good look for you.
October 12th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
I guess you won’t be wanting that sun lamp I got you for Christmas. Maybe I can trade it in for a case of QT.
Seriously, it’s a sucky outcome, but we’re all pulling for you. Good luck and God bless!
October 12th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
You’ll be fine.
Stop being an Internet wussy.
October 12th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Our best wishes go with you, Wyatt.
“According to the dermatologist, the surgeon will remover a layer of skin, and examine it for cancer cells. That will continue until all of the cancerous skin is removed.”
Tell them not to go too deep; if they pop through you might spring a leak and lose some sawdust.
October 12th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Wyatt, take care and don’t worry, you can come through this looking better than you did before. (If that’s possible…I don’t know.
)
Good luck to you.
October 12th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
While you’re hiding from the sun, don’t forget to take some vitamin D and a bit of calcium. After you get the blood test, shoot for a level of 40-60 ng/ml; when you hit your target, keep retesting every few months. Talk to your doctor, do some research.
October 12th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Well he11 Copper, can’t you ever do anything the easy way? Hope you don’t mind a Pagan praying for your speedy recovery. I would prefer to have all the bases covered.
October 12th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Good luck. If the Broncos can go 5 and 0 with their lineup, you can do anything.
(and yeah, I’m a Bronco’s fan too)
October 12th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Kick. Ass.
October 12th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
You know, kick cancer’s ass.
October 12th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Ok where do I start- top five? Why not:
5) Some people will do anything for hits. Hey man this isn’t SWEEPS week.
4) Look on the bright side, at least it’s not TESTICULAR!
3) When you’re done ask the doc for that brow lift you were planning. Nothing spells opportunity like
C-A-N-C-E-R!
2) Beating Cancer is an awesome line for picking up chicks. ALMOST as good as being a widower. Man are you lucky.
1) Maybe they will give you Chemo. Think about all the weight you’ll be able to lose. POW!
Who loves ya baby?
October 12th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
God Damn you have the worst luck but the best of everything in many ways. I’ll say a prayer for you buddy.
October 12th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
[...] pray for my friend Jump to Comments My very good friend, Wyatt is facing a bit of a trial, right now. He has been diagnosed with skin [...]
October 12th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
RAPH – No worries. I’m pretty motivated.
Woody – The only thing that worries me is that I really like air shows and NASCAR races. I’ll bring a tub of sunscreen with me to those.
CM – I could get one of those winter hats they wore in Fargo.
TexasFred – Oh, no doubt. I haven’t played a full ice hockey season in three years. I am determined to not miss one game this year.
Bitter – Now that’s a great idea! I don’t necessarily hate sunscreen. I’m just lazy.
Moe – I was hoping for brain cancer. Nothing to damage up there!
Mrs. Crankipants – I want one of those desert camouflage floppy hats our armed forces wear. They kick ass.
Crankipants – Thank you. Maybe you can trade in the sun lamp for a nice flask?
Mark – Yeah, what was I thinking. Let’s drink until we can’t feel pain any longer!
BobG – I’ll tell them to dig until they can hear the ocean. As long as they don’t hear Billy Ocean . . .
Clady – You’ve obviously never seen my photo. A hole in the head could only improve my looks.
Peter – You’re the second person who’s told me that. I’m on it.
E.L. – Pagans are just as good as the next guy/gal. Thanks!
Stephen – It’s amazing, isn’t it? They’re getting a lot of breaks. It’s pretty sweet.
GroovyVic – Oh sorry, I was beating the wife. What were you saying?
Captain – The same day of the news is probably a tad too soon for the snark, chief. Just sayin’.
AJ – That’s why I knew it would be positive before I went through the doors. My luck is that bad. And I can guarantee the Phillies win the pennant now, because I was sick last year at this time. Grand.
October 12th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
I wish you a speedy recovery. I have a friend who had it about 12 years ago and she is doing fine. With God’s help and a good oncologist, you’ll get through this too.
October 12th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Bill R. – Thanks. I hope things go smoothly, and if I’m too tired for Thanksgiving dinner the day after the operation, I hope the in-laws save me some leftovers.
October 12th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
As you know, you and the missus are in my prayers.
October 12th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Sending prayers out now.
And that should mean something because I’m not religious at all.
Hope that doesn’t mess it up.
October 12th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Best wishes!
I will be thinking of you. Do not despair. Doctors are not God. Remember that….everything caught early is good so be positive and just live your life….dont think about it too much.
You do the same.
You control YOU. Dont let the disease control you, then it will win.
I have colitis and I live my life and just do the best I can.
October 12th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Stay positive and I will keep you in my prayers.
October 12th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Dude, Moe’s right, ass cancer would suck…you’d be pooping into a bag.
I’d probably laugh a little, but it would still suck.
October 12th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
We will keep you in our prayers
October 12th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
RT – I know. Thanks.
Kaveman – Nah, I’ll take anything I can get.
NP – Message received!
Becky – Thank you!
Randal – You sir, are a jerkoff. Only because I am laughing at that, too.
Rick – Thanks!
October 13th, 2009 at 5:38 am
Hang in there!!! Make it your bitch and don’t give it a reach around.
October 13th, 2009 at 7:03 am
[...] go visit Wyatt. I know he will appreciate your prayers and encouraging [...]
October 13th, 2009 at 8:07 am
This is amazing. Look at all encouragement. It’s just plain fantastic. Wyatt, you are blessed and I will pray for you. I had to laugh:
Making cancer your bitch. That’s raw but it’s wit.
October 13th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Yow!
October 13th, 2009 at 9:25 am
Randall, you said that as if he’s never pooped into a bag before.. “quick where’s the match? light the bag! light the bag! *ding dong* run! run!” .. ahh the good ole days.
cancer. pfeh. rub some dirt on it and get on with it already!
October 13th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Sorry to hear Wyatt. Glad to hear its treatable and controllable, another prayer coming at ya. Try and get a really cool hat and mold it into a new personna for yourself, like Kojack with the lollipops. In fact you could store another backup in the hat like a .44 derringer. As Longshanks said..’One must see the good in every situation.’ As for the sunscreen, imagine all the contests you’ll win after a few cold ones in the bars when everyone is so drunk they see how much change they can stick to their foreheads. We’re always looking out for ya.
October 13th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Thoughts and prayers Wyatt.
HubbardMom
October 13th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Sully – TMI!!!
Bill – Whatever gets me thought the day, right?
Prof – Almost my exact reaction to the news.
Vinnie – I won’t miss one game of hockey because of this. Bank it!
Jon – I figured I’d use a fedora to complete the classic detective look.
Edee – Thanks, Ma! Appreciate the thoughts.
October 13th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Damn, Wyatt, I’m sorry to hear that. It sounds like you caught it early, though. That and a positive attitude will do the trick in kicking cancer’s a$$. Just remember, after you double tap cancer’s center mass, make sure you put one in its noggin, just to be sure.
In the meantime, thoughts and prayers headed your way from the capital of the People’s Republik of NY.
October 13th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
John – Thanks. It’s still pretty scary, but I’ve faced scary before. Remember posting that photo of Perez Hilton?
October 13th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
It’s just one of those cosmic reminders…Oh, your going to lose wieght, don’t forget about this.
Just the universe giving you a hint. No melanoma, you’ll do fine. My dad had the same thing. He didn’t check out til he was 84–and it was his ticker. Come to think of it, maybe the weight loss thing is a good idea after all.
Hang in there dude.
October 13th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
I am so sorry. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
October 13th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
51 comments. I told you dude. Some people will do ANYTHING for hits. And an interview with Perez Hilton.
October 13th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Cancer is way overrated. My brother had a melanoma. 10 years later he had lymphoma. That was another 10 years ago. He’s still fine. You will be too.
October 13th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Keeping you in my prayers. Like I said before, that’s what my father had. Never really slowed him down. He and his doctor were very vigilant and caught every little pin prick of a tumor as they popped up for more than 20 years. And it was NOT the cause of his death,..that was OLD AGE (he was 93)
October 14th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Good luck man!
October 14th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
cbullitt – Didn’t post it this weekend, but I was the same again: 199. Not gaining, at least.
Kim – Thank you very much.
Fiar – Thanks, sir.
B.A. – It’s a goal to shoot for.
DirtCrashr – Thank you. Just gonna keep battling.
October 15th, 2009 at 6:49 am
You’ll beat this one, I’ve faith. Buddy of mine slathers sunblock on every day for the same reasons.
NIGHT SHIFT~!
October 15th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Oh Darling! Im glad you caught it in time! The beach is over rated anyways accept for the bikini clad beautys of course..sand gets everywhere!
October 15th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
serr8d – Maybe I can go to the beach at night?
TBB – Yeah, the beach would be great without all the sand.
October 15th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Gah! I hate the sand!
October 15th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Fiar – They should cover if with asphalt, in my opinion.
October 15th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Some of my most memorable beach times were at night, fishing with a lantern and a 30″ steel leader, pulling in the ignorant bluefish that migrated up on the wrong side of Florida and practically jumped into my coolers at Perdido Key. Oh, and a couple sharks too! Who needs the sun when a full moon is much friendlier?
October 16th, 2009 at 7:41 am
Wyatt, you could join the ranks of… Nosfaratu. Did you see ‘Innocent Blood’ with Anne Parillaud and Robert Loggia? Kind of like that, only trouble is that sunscreen wouldn’t help during the day in that case.
Guess thats kind of a hint to post a pic of Anne too:)