In a candid and heartfelt Facebook post, fitness legend Richard Simmons has revealed his battle with skin cancer, sharing the journey with his fans in a way that’s both relatable and inspiring. As he approaches his 75th year, Richard continues to show us the importance of staying vigilant about our health.
On Tuesday, March 19, Richard took to social media to share his experience after noticing something unusual on his face. “Mirror, mirror on the wall, what’s that blemish which is so small?” he wrote, referring to a strange bump under his right eye. The playful tone of the post belies the seriousness of what was to come, but Richard’s signature wit helps keep things light even in tough moments.
When Neosporin Didn’t Help, Richard Knew Something Was Wrong
After trying over-the-counter remedies like Neosporin with no success, Richard made the wise decision to visit his dermatologist. He recounted the moment vividly: “I sat in his chair, and he looked at it through a magnifying mirror. He told me he’d have to scrape it off and examine it under the microscope.” Richard admitted feeling nervous as he awaited the results.
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About 20 minutes later, his doctor returned with news that left Richard speechless. “He comes back and says the C-word. You have cancer,” Richard recalled. After learning it was basal cell carcinoma, Richard joked with his doctor, saying, “Stop calling me dirty names!” The doctor laughed, but the reality of the situation hit hard.
Richard Urges Fans to Seek Medical Advice Immediately
Never one to shy away from sharing valuable lessons, Richard emphasized the importance of seeking professional medical advice right away. He went on to visit Dr. Ralph A. Massey, where he met other patients dealing with various forms of skin cancer.
Walking through the waiting room, Richard was struck by the severity of the cases he saw. “I was shocked to see all the skin cancers that they had—some on their heads, faces, and necks,” he wrote. Despite the gravity of the situation, Richard found comfort in Dr. Massey’s warm demeanor, even if the doctor smelled like a deli after eating lox, bagels, and onions.
A Challenging Procedure, But Richard Remained Strong
During his appointment, Richard learned that his skin would need to be burned to remove the cancerous cells. As the procedure began, Richard reflected on the emotional toll it took. “As he started burning my skin, a tear dropped down my cheek,” he shared. Though the doctor wiped away his tear, the pain was intense and lasted about 30 minutes.
When Richard returned an hour and a half later, he received disappointing news—the cancer wasn’t fully removed. “He burned my face again. This time was worse than before—it was deeper,” he wrote. Despite the discomfort, Richard gritted his teeth and powered through. The process repeated itself yet again, underscoring the perseverance required during such treatments.
Richard ended his post with “to be continued,” leaving fans eager for updates. Just a day earlier, he had sparked concern among his followers by writing that he was “dying.” However, he quickly clarified, “Sorry many of you have gotten upset about my message today. Even the press has gotten in touch with me. I am not dying. It was a message about saying how we should embrace every day that we have. Sorry for this confusion.”
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