Hi! My name is Nick and this is my story.

I have had a growth on my scalp for a long time. Truth is, I can't even really remember how long, and for a long time, I thought it was just a cyst. My family, spouse, and friends have begged me for a while to get it looked at by a doctor. I finally went to the dermatologist at the end of August 2024, and they also thought it was likely a cyst, but we scheduled its excision at the beginning of October 2024.

During the removal process (a week after my 31st birthday), the dermatologist quickly realized that what we had suspected to be a cyst was, in fact, a tumor, which was sent out for pathology. A week later, I was diagnosed with cancer.

The type of cancer that I have is called Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP). DFSP is a rare form of skin cancer that will only affect approximately 1% of the population, and little is known about the actual cause for it and therefore the prevention of it. The good news is that less than 5% of DFSP cases will metastasize (spread to other regions of the body), and less than 1% of people who have ever had this form of cancer have passed away from it. The other good news is that most cases never require chemotherapy or radiation to treat, just A LOT of surgery.

On Monday, I had my first procedure to remove the bulk of the tumor from my scalp, an area that was marked at about 9cm long by 5-6cm wide. Unfortunately, that didn't clear all of the margins, and the MOHS surgeon had to remove more of my scalp, down to the bone, on Wednesday, resulting in 40-50% of my scalp on the left side of my head being removed. But, the good news is that with the second surgery, they were able to clear all of the margins. Now, I just need surgical reconstruction of my scalp (which will require some of my skull to be shaved down) and skin grafting to get through before this is all in the rear-view mirror.

Between biopsies, mass removals, MOHS procedures, and surgical reconstruction of my scalp/skin grafting, I will have had a total of 5 surgical procedures in less than 60 days.

Unfortunately, this has all come with a large financial burden. Between medical bills and time out of work, it is leaving me with about $8,000 in debt after insurance. I know that times are hard for all of us right now, but any help would be appreciated.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you!