[argodad]

Background

In 2001, just as I was planning retirement from the Navy, I was diagnosed with a very rare, very vicious, and very persistent SOB of a skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. Its mortality rate is double that of melanoma. I’m lucky to be alive. From 2003-2005 it recurred four more times, all in my right leg. The docs tried surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation (aka slash, poison, and burn).

MCC hasn’t come back since 2005, but the excessive radiation has destroyed my lower leg and also caused another type of cancer called MFH—malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Bottom line—I’m going to have my leg amputated in the next couple of weeks. Hopefully they’ll be able to do a below-the-knee amputation.

The Future

I plan to be back on the field for the 2010 season. If our wounded warriors can run marathons on two prostheses, I sure can learn to umpire on one. Anyone have any experience with any of our brothers in blue who umpire on a prosthesis? I sure would like to learn lessons from them.

By the way, challenges for a$$-kicking contests will only be accepted for one more week.