‘Cancer survivor:’ Wayne Dawson returns to FOX 8
[Editor’s Note: You can watch Wayne Dawson talk about his recent surgery and diagnosis in the video above.]
CLEVELAND (WJW) — FOX 8’s own Wayne Dawson returned to the anchor desk for the first time in a month after a recent health issue.
Monday morning, Dawson shared a message with everyone who offered prayers and support over the past few weeks and revealed that he has kept quiet about a surprising diagnosis of oral cancer, which prompted a lengthy surgery at the Cleveland Clinic.
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“The crazy thing is my surgeon said this type of cancer happens in people who chew tobacco, or heavy smokers, or heavy drinkers and I’m none of those,” said Dawson. “But I found something in my mouth about a year ago.”
Dawson said, he did not follow his dentist’s advice to have a doctor take a closer look and instead another six months passed.
“Found out it was a form of oral cancer, which was totally shocking. You never want to hear the word ‘cancer.’ There’s no doubt about that. That kind of blew me away.”
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Dawson underwent surgery late last month, taking to Instagram on April 28 saying “I underwent a very long but successful 9-hour surgery at the Cleveland Clinic but God was in the operating room guiding the hands of those working on his child.”
Over Mother’s Day Weekend, Dawson posted a video explaining “I’m making my way back and I just thank God for that and I also want to thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of support and well wishes that you have been sending to me and my family during this very, very trying time.”
Dawson now explains, that the 9-hour surgery removed the cancer and also put a graft from his arm into his cheek.
“So, I have something called a ‘flap’ in my mouth right now,” said Dawson as he pointed to his right cheek.
The good news is that it appears the surgery was successful and removed the cancer.
“Thankfully, praise God, I don’t have to do any radiation or chemotherapy but they have to keep a check on it,” said Dawson. “I guess, I am a cancer survivor now, another cause to champion.”
He added, “Please continue to pray because cancer is unpredictable.”
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