In 2001 I was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma. I had a mole on my left arm top of my shoulder so I thought it was a beauty mark. I was very wrong! My private physician said to me, ‘Julia, this has to come off!’
Well, then everything was very rushy, no time can be wasted, as this type of melanoma really spreads fast. So my private doctor was very fast in getting me in hospital, Pasqua (Regina). So, after my private doctor took off the initial mole and walked it in to the cancer clinic, that evening I was told yes, Julia, this is malignant melanoma.
Into the hospital I went, to X-Ray and had large needles injected around the hole and Dr. Hunter (surgeon) did all the needles and told me with my left hand to massage the area. This was done to see how far the melanoma had spread, then up to surgical floor, got me ready for the operating room for Dr. Hunter to do the wider incision.
Apparently, Dr. Hunter put the stick in from top of my arm, right down to my wrist. She had to do that until she got a clear margin. I was in the operating room for almost 5 hours. Came out, went to day hospital with the hole left open, until she was satisfied and then Dr. Lee to do the skin graft to cover the hole. Dr. Hunter is not in Regina anymore. She took a top surgeon job in Philadelphia. I sure missed her as she was very professional to me and kind to my family.
Then I had to report to the cancer clinic for my treatment, had the treatment done and then I was given half an hour to make my mind up for treatment to be done at home. So I had to give my needles in my abdomen and Bill gave my needles in my back, this was done…chemotherapy for one year. I was on 33 million units of interferona for 1 year.
I filled three Hilroy scribblers to keep track. Then after my one year, I had to see Dr. Change and he said Julia, I have to cut behind your left ear to the middle of your throat, and take out what looks suspicious and leave the rest. I said, “Dr. Change what do you call that surgery?”He said, ‘a left ear dissection.’
So in I go to the operating room for that over 6 hours surgery. When I woke up, standing by my bedside - my daughter Rhonda, and my son, Neil; both from British Columbia. Lots of hugs, smiles and kisses were going on.
I was treated like a queen in the Pasqua Hospital and General Hospital, I am so blessed to be alive, because I had stage four melanoma. I must say, my private physician was right on the mark and got everything going,
I am very sad to say I have lost him to a massive heart attack. I am so blessed and proud of my doctors who kept me alive: Dr. Hunter (surgeon), Dr. Lee (skin graft), Dr. Peter Change (surgeon – neck/throat), Cancer Clinic doctors, Dr. Chal-Chal and so many more under the supervision of Dr. Chal-Chal. My nurses who are all my angels. Dr. Linda Nilson (retired), Dr. Kreshi, Dr. Ibrahim, and my cousin Gary Semenchuck – a lawyer who did a lot for cancer patients.
He is very special to me and my family. I would recommend the Cancer Clinic (Regina) to all cancer patients. This is why I hope all the sunworshippers are very careful and watch the sun.
In closing, I am so happy my daughter Rhonda from British Columbia could be there to help me. My son Neil, who now is in Moose Jaw has been a continuous help after me being in bed for 1 year and only getting up for meals or to go to the washroom,
I was so happy when I could start get-going and enjoying my life again. So I had and always will have my main staple places I like to go, and they are all very kind and caring to me: Yvette Moore Gallery (Sarah and Andrew), Gallery Café, Pharmasave Drugs (all staff), Johan, Boutique (Jillian’s – Lana, Jill & Marcie), Clothes Encounter (Rick, Andrea, Denise & Jill), Evans Florist (Tina & Trisha), Studio 21 (Pat, Nancy, Cooper) and of course Starbucks, Safeway (all staff).
Julia Wasylyshyn
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
