Malignant Melanoma -My YouTube Reintroduction 4 Years Later-Wrench On!

Update September 2021:
After I published this video, I shot project work on rebuilding the transfer case on my dad's old 1990 Dodge W250, which has not gone into editing yet. I had already rebuilt the 4-speed transmission as you can see nicely painted in this video. I purchased and installed a transfer case kit with complete typical cleaning techniques which I did shoot, but awaits editing.

On July 14, 2020, I had a somewhat normal Dermatology visit with my care giver - masked up, of course. Long story short, a lump was found underneath the skin very near the same area on that elbow. That day it was clipped out for biopsy and sent in. Results came back typical for me: malignant melanoma yet again, except this time, the presentation of it made for quite a different path for me since then. Now, I'll say that, thankfully, to this day, I remain feeling completely normal except for the then-upcoming side effects of therapeutics.

Technically, this reoccurrence was "under" the skin, in a slightly different location. Had it been just on top of the skin, I'm told that's typical. But "under" the skin means I have internal cells to deal with. Luckily in my case, it's very early, and they are baby "undeveloped" cancer cells which are looking to attach to internal things.

The wonderful and amazing thing is that, due to DNA strain testing technology they used on my original biopsy, not only could they estimate my chances of a reoccurrence (came back in the high range), but they could also identify *THE perfect, specific and targeted therapeutic response.

As of early September, 2021, I only have one more infusion therapy to go after over a year of going in for IV injected amazing medicine. This medicine locates and helps to kill baby cancer cells in the body- probably due to heredity in my case. So, the original thought of just cutting the mole off? It would have eventually happened elsewhere, so I'm thankful it was just a mole. I can not blame my doctor for not having cut the mole off years ago. This was coming anyway.

I was at work today, and a younger co-worker, a gearhead and motorcycle guy like myself, mentioned to me that someone suggested my YouTube site. I've not been active here for far too long, and so I was floored at his comments. Tonight, I visit my YouTube site, and comments and followers continue, very positive responses even though I've not been on here in a while! I'm just floored! I read up some of my earlier comments and responses....so very glad to have helped folks.

The therapeutics have some physical effects- they effect my skin, and it looks blotchy at times. I think I look older and far less "tan," - It's been stressful, naturally. I still have projects to get to, but many normal to-do's yet around my home. When I get caught up, I plan to bring that old Dodge into my shop and shoot a video on it's upcoming front end complete rebuild (for the most part). All steering components and a gut-out of the front straight axle to replace seals and many bearings.

I've missed this. I hope to get back to it! See you all again soon, and thank you so very much for all of your nice comments! r-

Original Intro (which I sent to my Dermatologist!):

Moles aren't anything to just ignore - I had THIS one for more than 10 years, never a problem at all, before this! Please pay attention to your body and what it tells you, just like trying to diagnose a vehicle. I LOVE diagnosing the vehicular puzzles, but I HATE moles! Paying a little more attention to your body can save your life.

My name is Russ, and I shoot car-repair videos for fun - to hopefully help out others who seek to wrench.

I work, like most of you do, so my videos take literally weeks to shoot, and and several more to edit together, having shot with multiple cameras and separate mic sound to blend together. I generally do not shoot one-handed phone videos for various reasons. I want the old-school quality and detail. I want to make it worth your time.

I re-introduce myself to you all, and wish thank those of you who have kept that connection these past years. I LOVE teaching and helping when I can.

I will be partaking in two large video projects: this next one on manual transmission/transfer case/drivetrain kinda stuff, and also a PREVIOUSLY shot in-depth video on basic mechanical engine timing/timing belt basics/methodology on an older Honda Civic. Needless to say, lots of time coming up to get this stuff up. But so happy to get back into the game!

-Already received a new laptop, a new camera, tripods - suffice it to say that we are shooting again!

Thank you all -
Onward!

r-.