Russ Uses His Stage 4 Melanoma Story to Inform and Inspire Others
Russ is an inspirational specialist who works to inspire others through speaking, marketing, and coaching. He shares his experience with stage 4 melanoma, diagnosed in 2022. His experience began when he noticed a growth on his foot, which he mistook for a wart at first. Realizing its severity, he subsequently visited a dermatologist, which led to a biopsy confirming melanoma. The condition metastasized to his groin, prompting significant surgery at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute in Portland, OR, which involved removing skin from his instep and lymph nodes from his groin.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Despite the surprise and emotional impact of his stage 4 melanoma diagnosis, Russ nevertheless maintained a positive outlook. He optimistically anticipated recovery until a follow-up scan revealed further cancer progression. This led him to consider changing his treatment course. After much contemplation and prayer, Russ decided against immediate surgery, opting instead for continued immunotherapy. Unfortunately, the treatment caused severe side effects, including rashes, fever, and the onset of diabetes due to pancreatic failure.
Adapting to his new diabetic lifestyle, Russ learned to manage his condition with an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), a challenging adjustment alongside cancer treatment. After his initial melanoma treatment proved ineffective, doctors performed invasive surgery to remove lymph nodes in his upper groin. Post-surgery, his condition stabilized, allowing him to resume normal activities.
However, Russ’s reprieve proved all too brief. He faced new challenges when cancer was discovered in his lungs and brain. Quickly, his medical team initiated another round of immunotherapy and radiation for his brain tumor. Regardless of the fatigue and side effects he experienced, Russ persevered through treatments, which concurrently included multiple hospitalizations for adrenal gland failure and other complications.
Through experience with stage 4 melanoma, Russ has remained driven by his faith and family. As a family man, he finds strength in his relationships. He focused on spreading positivity and encouragement, speaking at cancer conferences, and actively engaging with his community through social media and live streams. His mission to inspire involves reminding others to maintain a positive perspective, believing that attitude influences physical health and outlook on life.
Watch Russ’s story to learn from him on:
- How he turned his cancer diagnosis into a mission of hope and inspiration.
- How his unwavering faith and positivity helped him face his emotional and physical battles.
- The innovative treatments that shaped his path.
- His adaptation to the challenges of diabetes amidst his ongoing cancer experience.
- How his community and faith have grounded him and helped him advance his mission to inform and inspire.
- Name:
- Russ H.
- Diagnosis:
- Melanoma
- Staging:
- Stage 4
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 58
- Symptom:
- Appearance of what appeared to be a wart at the bottom of his foot
- Treatments:
- Radiation
- Surgery
- Immunotherapy
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.
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