The Zipperleg Chronicles - Fighting cancer with style!

Opening NightPosted on Fri, May 20, 2011

Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you so much for your outpouring of support. It really does help to remember I have such wonderful friends! Sorry I’m not able to respond individually to everyone, but things are kinda full right now, I’m sure you understand.

First thing I should say because I was unclear last time, it’s not actually “Lung Cancer”, but a tumor in my lung, which is where this type of cancer typically migrates. Those 10 packs a day that I smoke have nothing to do with this.

Things are progressing about as fast as they can. We met with our oncologist and thoracic surgeon (Dr. David Finley) and have a game plan now. I will be going in for surgery next Friday, May 27th, to have the tumor removed. From all accounts, unless they’re just lying to be nice, it’s actually not that invasive of a procedure. They’ll make three incisions under my left arm and go in with video cameras, clippers, shovels and rakes and other implements of destruction. And yes, I was mistaken because apparently CT Scans are viewed from the feet up, the big tumor is actually on the left side. Who knew?

I’ll be in the hospital for about a day, until they “take the tube out”, then I’ll be up and about. While I’ll be having to take it easy, I won’t be laid up for months like last time. I will only be able to lift 10 lbs or so for two weeks, so I’ll probably be working from home. But it’s recommended that I stay active to prevent any loss of motion in my arm. While I won’t be playing rugby any time soon, I never really played it anyway, so it works out!

We learned other fun fact: the cancer I have IS in fact responsive to certain forms of chemo. Which means we have a last line of defense if things get out of hand. While I am really not looking forward to having it, it’s kind of nice to know the option is there. If that were to become something we’d have to do, it will be months before that determination is made. Also, it’s entirely possible this is the last we’ll hear of it.

Much love and luck,

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.