For a lot of people going through cancer, it’s often really important to find ways to have a little fun, and get away from the severity of cancer. Cameron Mathison, 50, who starred as Ryan Lavery on the soap opera "All My Children" for many years, dressed up as lead vocalist Axl Rose from the band Guns N’ Roses for Halloween as he recovers from surgery for kidney cancer. His wife Vanessa went as guitar player Slash.
“Welcome to the jungle #gunsnroses #axlrose #slash #happyhalloween @vanessa.mathison,” he wrote alongside a photo of the couple in graphic muscle T’s, denim and leather. He also wore a bandana on his head and a chain hanging from his pocket, while Vanessa wore a top hat and held a guitar.
Supporters loved his costume, “That is the coolest costume(s)!!” and “Gn’R is my all time fav band! You two loom awesome!!”
They also praised the beauty of their marriage, “Relationship AND Halloween goals!!!”
Like a lot of people going through cancer, Mathison seems to be spending a lot of time with family. In a recent post, he wrote about his gratitude for moments with his wife, son and daughter, “Grateful for weekends with these guys heart] @vanessa.mathison #familylove #grateful #weekendvibes.”
And he also posted a photo with his daughter Leila, “Leila, I don't take a minute with you for granted. Even time in the car to and from school is a gift [prayer emoji] Thanks for putting up with me sweet Lulu [prayer emoji] [heart] #daddydaughter #makeeverymomentcount #grateful.”
Supporters loved that he is drawing close to his family, saying “You are making Precious Memories for you both!” and “Its definitely the little moments that matter the most [heart]”
They also took the opportunity to send him support in his journey with cancer, “Get well soon cameron your the best and you rock!!!”
Mathison’s cancer journey
After initially announcing his diagnosis on TV, Mathison wrote an emotional Instagram post to let his followers know what was happening with his health.
Cmaeron Mathison, who is using meditation to help him heal after surgery for kidney cancer
“I have a health situation that I want to share with you all [prayer emoji]. There are many reasons I love social media, staying connected with you all, sharing fun experiences… well this time I'm asking for your help,” he wrote int he post alongside a photo of him with his wife, Vanessa, and two children, Leila and Lucas.
In a more recent post, Mathison wrote,”Unbelievably grateful to be back home after a successful partial nephrectomy surgery. It was an eventful 4 days in the hospital, and doing well at home now. @inderbirgillmd is a miracle worker, and my whole family is indebted to him and everyone at @keckmedofusc [prayer emojis],” alongside a photo of himself holding a photograph framed with poster and signed with lots of loving wishes, and surrounded by gifts, flowers and comforting objects.
He also talked about how much it means to him to have so much positive energy around him during this time, “Thank you to everyone sending prayers, positive thoughts, flowers, cards, stuffed animals, food, love[heart emoji]… and kidney beans[laughing emoji] Love you guys[loving emoji]#1.8kidneysleft #cancersucks #cancerfighter #feelingloved.”
Mathison said his surgery was performed at USC, which is a major, high volume cancer center in Los Angeles.
And his supporters commented their praise of his attitude, and sent their love his way, “You are a WARRIOR! We are here for you every step of the way [hearts] sending love and light and strength.”
“Aw how sweet is this? You’ll be back to normal in no time, Cameron. Blessings, love, speedy healing, & loads of prayers & good thoughts sent your way! Always!”
Mathison also posted a photo of himself in a hospital bed with his two kids on either side of him, holding his hands. He expressed his gratitude for their love and support, “Feeling loved and supported by my family and friends, including each and everyone of you. I've been very overwhelmed and so grateful for all of the supportive comments and prayers.”
And offered a few more details as to the details of his surgery, “The surgery went very well. The tumor is gone and I even got to keep 80% of my kidney[smile emoji] We are all optimistic. Keep you updated. So grateful for all of you [heart emoji].”
Supporters responded by offering words of kindness and hope, “That is awesome news so glad to hear keep positive and hope you have a speedy recover and your not in to much discomfort [heart].”
“I’m so thankful your surgery went well. I’m continuing to pray for a speedy recovery. I’ve just started watching the Hallmark channel and love seeing you in each and everyone of the movies. God bless you!! [hearts]”
Information and treatment options for kidney cancer
Kidney cancer can develop in adults or children. There are two main types of kidney cancer that occur in adults: renal cell cancer, and transitional cell cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Renal cell cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in tubules of the kidney. Smoking and misuse of certain pain medicines can affect the risk of renal cell cancer. Signs of renal cell cancer include blood in the urine and a lump in the abdomen. Other signs of the disease may include pain in the side that doesn't go away, loss of appetite, weight loss for no known reason, and anemia.
Treatment for renal cell kidney cancer usually includes some combination surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
For renal cell cancer, surgery is a common treatment practice. Types of surgery include:
Partial nephrectomy, a procedure to remove the cancer within the kidney and some of the tissue around it.
A partial nephrectomy may be done to prevent loss of kidney function when the other kidney is damaged or has already been removed.
Simple nephrectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the kidney only.
Radical nephrectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the kidney, the adrenal gland, surrounding tissue, and, usually, nearby lymph nodes.
Transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the renal pelvis and ureter. A personal history of bladder cancer and smoking can affect the risk of transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter. Signs and symptoms of transitional cell cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter include blood in the urine and back pain.
Kidney and renal cell pelvic cancers make up about 4.2 percent of all new cancer cases per year in the U.S., with and estimated 73,820 in 2019. These cancers account for about 2.4 percent of deaths from cancer in the U.S. with an estimated 14,770 deaths from this cancer in 2019. The five year survival rate for kidney and renal pelvis cancer is about 74.5 percent.
