I was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma1 shortly before my daughter’s 2019 bat mitzvah. Stage 4 — and I never had a single skin lesion. It was an exceedingly rare situation. I’m a rabbi, but I didn’t approach my diagnosis as a faith leader. I approached it as a terrified father of two with a bat mitzvah to celebrate in a few weeks. 

By the end of that celebration, I was in the hospital with irAEs2. I’ve been a bit of an overachiever in the side effects department. The hardest to overcome have been the GI issues and brain fog. Fortunately, I was in the hands of Dr. Funchain3, who has provided the best possible treatment. I feel like I’m a prizefighter and she’s in my corner of the ring. Dr. Funchain and her team of extraordinary caregivers saved my life. 

After 24 months of immunotherapy, I’m still experiencing side effects, but I’m cancer-free. On May 23, 2021, I celebrated my final treatment with a virtual concert to raise awareness and raise money for research toward improving the quality of life for patients with irAEs. Everyone in a prizefight with cancer deserves someone in their corner.

 

Rob Nosanchuk is a senior rabbi at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in Beachwood, Ohio

Rob Nosanchuk wearing a letterman jacket, smiling at the camera with pink cherry blossom trees in the background

Photo: Courtesy of Rob Nosanchuk

Notes

  1. Nosanchuk was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma with unknown primary (MUP), meaning there was no obvious site on the skin where it originated. MUP occurs in only about 3% of melanoma cases.
  2. Immune-related adverse events. 
  3. Pauline Funchain, MD, is a Cleveland Clinic oncologist.