The Zipperleg Chronicles - Fighting cancer with style!

OriginsPosted on Thu, Sep 09, 2010

Dear Family and Friends,

I apologize for the mass and slightly impersonal nature of this email, but I’m sure you’ll forgive me as I’ve been a bit preoccupied. I wish I had time to call each of you individually.

Last week, I was diagnosed with a soft-tissue sarcoma in my lower right leg, specifically, my calf. Yesterday, after a rollicking fun week, the needle biopsy confirmed that it is, in fact, malignant, but is only moderately aggressive. So, to put it simply, I have cancer. But it’s not as bad as it sounds. I have been putting off telling anyone until I knew for sure what it was.

I am scheduled for surgery on September 14th (next Tuesday) and will be hospitalized for about a week. I will not be losing my leg, but he will be removing the fibula (the small leg bone) as well as a good chunk of muscle tissue.

The good news is that we caught it at a stage where the doctor anticipates a successful surgery and recovery. The cancer has not spread or gone systemic, so the surgery should take care of the problem. There is a high probability of nerve damage, but hopefully it won’t be too severe. Thanks to Kristin’s amazing network of friends, my doctor is Dr. John Healey at Sloan Kettering in New York, and is one of, if not the, leading doctors for what I have. All of the preparations have been made, and I am just waiting for next week’s festivities to begin.

And if you’re wondering, thanks to my wonderful wife who made it a requirement for our nuptials, I have health insurance that began coverage August 1st. Go figure.

As I said, I’m sorry I have to handle my announcement is such an impersonal way, but I’m sure you’ll forgive me. I’m going to beat this thing, then maybe I’ll go climb Half Dome or something. If you’re in the city, and would like to visit me in the hospital, I would love to see you! Kristin has asked that you call her at 917-670-3373 to check my doctor/visiting hours schedule. I will be at Sloan Kettering on 67th between York and 1st.

I love you,

– Ben

About the Author

An actor trained in physical theater, living in New York City, livin' the dream. I am married to an amazing woman without whom I'd probably be dead by now, and step-dad to the irrepressible Izzy! I sculpt masks, I juggle, I act, I design graphically-type-stuff, and when offered the choice between two evils, I take the one I've never tried before. I listen, I fly planes, I bike to the beach, I am a tea brewing ninja, I design new board games with my daughter, and I tell stories... too many stories. And while I used to be trying to learn to juggle my work, living in this city, my dreams, my wife, but now I am reminded every day they are all one, all my life, and every day is one more day I get to live it.