‘Here Comes the Rain’ Singer Raul Malo, 59, to Undergo Cancer Surgery Just Before Christmas, He Cites Prime ‘Window’ for Operation – Preparing for Surgery

“The Mavericks” singer Raul Malo, 59, is entering the holiday season preparing for cancer surgery. The “Here Comes the Rain Singer” was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year, and his treatment will sideline him from performing for a while.

“I wanted to apologize to all that were planning on coming to New Hope Winery in December. Doctors don’t want to risk losing the window to operate successfully on the liver, especially after the first procedure went so well,” Malo said in an Instagram post.

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“The Mavericks” has been around since the ‘90s, producing hits like “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” “Here Comes the  Rain,” and “Born to Be Blue.” The Grammy-winning band recently released a new album titled “Moon and Stars.”

Malo is preparing for cancer surgery on December 10, followed by a month of recovery before considering returning to the stage.

“The hopes are to start the year strong, rested and healthy,” Malo said.

The Instagram video shows Malo playing the tune of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

The resilient singer thanked his fans for their ongoing support as he navigates cancer. Supportive fans urged Malo to prioritize his health.

“Don’t push yourself, Raul. We love you and want you to return to health,” Instagram user Diana Haye commented.

“Do what’s best for you!! We are all here cheering for you and most definitely all will be ready to rock n roll when you are. Sending nothing but positive vibes your way!” Instagram user Diane Volz commented.

Preparing for Colon Cancer Surgery

Malo has not specified the stage of his colon cancer, but he noted his upcoming cancer involves the liver. Again, while not confirmed to Malo’s diagnosis, stage 4 colon cancer can spread to other organs such as the liver, lungs, or peritoneal cavity (the space in your abdomen that holds your intestines, stomach, and liver).

Generally, surgery is recommended for anyone with stage one, two, or three colon cancer, though stages two and three may require both surgery and chemotherapy.

Surgical oncologist and colorectal surgeon Dr. Heather Yeo says the liver is the most common site of metastasis.

“There is a lot of controversy that surrounds when you should take out a liver metastases and when you should start with chemotherapy,” Dr. Yeo explained to SurvivorNet.

“We’ve actually learned, over the last decade, that by taking out the colorectal liver metastases, if there is not a lot of them, we can improve long-term survival for patients. It depends kind of on the aggressiveness of the tumor and the location of the liver metastases,” Dr. Yeo added.

Dr. Yeo said finding a surgeon with experience specifically treating colon cancer is important.

WATCH: Choosing Your Colon Surgeon

There are different types of colon cancer surgery, and the determining factor rests on the location of the tumor within the colon. If the tumor is on the right side of the colon (also called the ascending colon), then a right colectomy procedure is performed. If the tumor is located on the left side of the colon (descending colon), then a left colectomy procedure is performed.

The sigmoid colon is a portion of the descending colon that gets its name because it has an “S” shape. In such cases, a sigmoid colectomy is performed to remove the cancer in this area.

After a portion of the colon is removed, the two ends of the colon are put back together. Most patients will have some irregularity in the bowel function immediately after surgery, but this will ultimately return to normal.

WATCH: What Determines the Type of Colon Surgery You Need?

A subtotal colectomy is sometimes required when most of the colon is removed, leaving the rectum behind. This may have a greater impact on bowel function after surgery.

Malo’s Cancer Journey

While undergoing a colonoscopy, which screens for colon cancer, doctors discovered Malo had “two cancerous spots,” which prompted further testing. The singer then learned he had colon cancer.

“One of the reasons I’m telling you all this is that some of the shows may be affected this year as we navigate this situation and see how the therapy goes,” Malo previously explained.

The cancer starts when abnormal lumps called polyps grow in the colon or rectum. If you don’t have these polyps removed, they can sometimes change into cancer. It takes up to 10 years for a colon polyp to become a full-blown cancer, according to SurvivorNet experts.

WATCH: When to get a colonoscopy

Most colon cancers can be prevented if people are regularly screened. The screening usually involves a colonoscopy, in which a long, thin tube attached to a camera examines the colon and rectum. If no polyps are discovered, the following screening won’t be needed for about ten years.

The American Gastrointestinal Association lowered the recommended initial age for a colorectal screening from 50 to 45.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

If you are facing a colon cancer diagnosis, here are some questions you may ask your doctor.

• What are my treatment options based on my diagnosis?
• If I’m worried about managing the costs of cancer care, who can help me?
• What support services are available to me? To my family?
• Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
• What are the risks and possible side effects of treatment?

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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