Skip to Content
en  -  fr
Patient Image

Paitent Stories

Todd Keirstead

Todd Keirstead, like 1 in 3, I Am Battling Skin Cancer.

It has been a rollercoaster of emotions as I am letting the world know for the first time that I have been diagnosed with cancer. I am throwing my pride away and deciding to share my story and journey in the hope that I can bring awareness to how important sunscreen and covering up in the sun really is. 

This is not intended as a pity party but rather to provide you with the realization that we are not invincible, and give you the knowledge to be proactive in the things you do and put on your body.   

After years of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, it has led to the development of cancerous growths on my face. The excessive sun exposure, especially during childhood and adolescence, as well as so many years on the golf course, has given me infiltrative basal cell carcinoma on my nose.

To remove the cancerous growth, highly intrusive multiple-stage surgeries will take place. This is something that must be done, otherwise, I will lose my entire nose as the cancer will literally eat it off my face.  

 

  • The first procedure will be Mohs surgery, lasting several hours, during which small pieces of skin will be removed and tested under the microscope until clean borders are finally found and all the cancer is taken away. 

 

  • The second procedure will be sameday facial reconstruction surgery. A forehead flap will be used for nasal soft tissue reconstruction. This entails fashioning my new nose from flesh from my forehead. The surgeon will cut a living tissue flap which includes the skin, underlying tissue, and blood vessels of my forehead resembling the opening left by the cancer removalThe flap will be pulled down, inverted, and attached to provide constant blood flow to the surrounding nose skin, ensuring a successful mergeThe area where the flap is taken will be sutured closed, resulting in a vertical scar. For several weeks, there will be an odd-looking bridge of tissue extending from the eyebrow to the nose.  This is done to be certain there is a constant blood supply to the tip of the flap where it is needed to cover the hole in the nose. Once healing is complete, the hole will integrate with the surrounding nasal skin. At this point, the blood supply to the end of the flap can be safely disrupted.

 

  • A third procedure will then take place where the bridge of tissue will be carefully removed as the flap and new growth skin is divided and the forehead is reopened and recreated. Shaping and sculpting the nose flap as well as the forehead flap will need to take place to match the surrounding structures and create an aesthetic result. 

 

Multiple procedures will follow to make sure the contouring of the noseas well as the forehead, will look as natural as possible.  

Sharing my journey publicly is important to me as it raises awareness about skin cancer. Early detection and treatment significantly improve the chances of successful outcomes. I really want to inform people about:

 

  • The risk factors associated with skin cancer. These include excessive exposure to UV radiation, fair skin, a history of sunburns, a family history of skin cancer, a weakened immune system, and the presence of moles or abnormal skin growths. Avoiding tanning beds and sunlamps altogether, as they emit harmful UV radiation

 

  • The three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCC and SCC are more common and often develop in areas regularly exposed to the sun, while melanoma is the most dangerous and can spread to other parts of the body. 

 

  • How important regular skin checks are. I would like to encourage you to regularly examine your skin and be aware of any changes. Common signs of skin cancer include new moles or growths, changes in the appearance of existing moles, sores that don’t heal, itching, tenderness, or bleeding. Consult a healthcare professional if any concerning changes are noticed. 

 

  • Sun-safety practices are a must! You should always wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses. And, it is recommended to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF regularly and reapplying every two hours, especially when outdoors. Good skincare wasn’t one of my priorities before my skin cancer diagnosis but I will be taking great care of my skin now. I will now be taking great interest in what chemicals are in the products that I put on my body, opting for natural ones, including oxin-free mineral sunscreen, as I now understand that there’s a huge health advantage when using that versus the chemical sunscreens on the market.  

Ultimately, I would like to leave you with this message: If skin cancer is detected early, the chances of successful treatment and cure are generally high. Encourage individuals to seek medical attention if they notice any suspicious skin changes. 

Todd Keirstead

The leader for adaptive golf and inclusion and diversity in Canada.
Voted #1 Trick Shot of the year Golf Channel
Sports Plays of the Year CTV
Featured on ESPN, Sports Illustrated & TMZ 

Other Patient Stories

Maureen Meehan
In early August of 2017 while attending a routine visit with my doctor, a General Practitioner (GP), I mentioned that the mole I’d had my right forearm for years was concerning me as it had changed.
Read More
Brandon Smith
No words could be more true! Cancer has been my invisible enemy for 11 years. My name is Brandon Smith and I have Stage 4 metastatic melanoma.
Read More
Ian Campbell
My name is Ian Campbell. I am 60 years young and have a beautiful wife, and two wonderful adult children. My cancer journey started when I moved to Alberta from Ontario. 
Read More
Cindy Nightingale
Finally, it was May 18, 2004, the day of my ophthalmologist appointment. I was relieved someone with authority would be looking at my eye. I did a little research and it seemed like I might have cataracts, glaucoma, or an infection.
Read More
Vanessa Delle Monache
My name is Vanessa Delle Monache and I am a two-time cancer survivor. At the young age of 15, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I received chemotherapy as well as radiation.
Read More
Akeema Smith
My melanoma story begins when I was born with a congenital Nevus birthmark covering most of my left breast. Growing up I never thought much about it other than my appointments with plastic surgeons and dermatologists every 3 months.
Read More
Emma Newman
My name is Emma Newman and I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma when I was 23 years old. In June 2018, I graduated from Western University with a degree in Health Sciences and Psychology. During my time at Western I was very involved in extracurricular activities.
Read More
Bev Barbour
The Coronavirus brought many changes to our world; for me it has led me to The Melanoma Network of Canada (MNC) and for that, I am very grateful.
Read More
Heather Derbecker
In September 2011, I was 36 years old and 32 weeks pregnant with baby number three when I was diagnosed with melanoma. There is never a good time to be diagnosed with cancer, but facing my own mortality and getting ready to welcome a new life brought my world crashing down.
Read More
Ken Graham
COVID-19 … as if cancer patients don’t have enough to stress about.   I am not sure if immunotherapy treatments put melanoma patients more at risk for COVID-19, but it worries me. 
Read More
Back to Patient Stories

Find a Dermatologist Near You

Access to a list of rapid access clinics, mole mapping clinics and other skin cancer specialists across Canada. Additional resources from the Canadian Dermatology Association are provided.

SEARCH NOW
Two women showing their backs looking for skin issues.