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 same–day 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 removal. The flap will be pulled down, inverted, and attached to provide constant blood flow to the surrounding nose skin, ensuring a successful merge. The 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 nose, as 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

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