And with all of this, one of the greatest problems I was facing was the lack of support. Who could I talk to? Where could I go? Has anyone else my age been through this before? Because I was young and this is considered an “older” persons cancer, it made it difficult to find support from my peers or family members.

In 2007 I saw another dreaded “blackhead” (that is how my cancers first appear). I went to a teaching hospital where they talked me out of a biopsy. After all, what do I know?

And finally again, in 2009 a cute young doctor told me that my biopsy came back positive (he said with empathic puppy dog eyes). I smiled and asked, “When can you schedule me for the removal?” This time was a bit more serious. It wasn’t Basal Cell and instead Squamous Cell AND (still with puppy dog eyes) “we have to remove your entire nose.” I wasn’t sure if I lost my breath first and then threw up, but it hit me hard and fast. When he said that the process would take a year of numerous (7 to be exact) surgeries and that I would look “hideous.” (Yes, those were his exact words.) I had to take pause. However after regaining my selfcontrol I again said bravely, “Well let’s get the show on the road.”

Again, I found no support. No one referred me to any groups such as “removal of facial parts anonymous”. I just had my surgeries. And that’s when I knew…when I got better, I needed to give back. I had to do whatever I could do to make sure others knew there was support out there…that there were other people (like me) who got through this. This was my Cancer’s Silver Lining.

Six months after my seventh surgery I decided to volunteer for a cancer support group. I had a year to investigate local and national support communities and that is when I stumbled on The Cancer Hope Network. I met the staff via the phone and because of their warmth and compassion, I chose them.

Today, I am honored and thrilled to work with such a wonderful group of people. I am helping to provide compassion and understanding to anyone that might have to or is dealing with any facial cancer – disfiguring or not. I listen to what they’re going through, talk to them about my experience, and let them know that there is HOPE. And though my type of cancer treatment is not very common – thank goodness – I was recently matched with a wonderful woman in New York who I still support in her very difficult time. The experience has been heartwarming and more than satisfying. After my four cancer diagnosis and everything that I’ve been through…my experience is able to help others…and I am very grateful for that.

~ Robin Adams ~

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We do not endorse any practice / product or make any medical claims – the information above is a personal story that others may find informative.