John Blackman facing new cancer battle

Hey Hey It’s Saturday veteran John Blackman is facing a new cancer battle after being diagnosed with a bone cancer on the top of his head.

The Herald Sun reports Blackman, 74, underwent a successful eight hour surgery at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne a fortnight ago and is soon to start radiotherapy.

This follows major surgery four years ago that saw surgeons remove his jaw in order to save his life.

On social media Blackman confirmed, “Four weeks ago, I was diagnosed with a very unexpected bone cancer on the top of my noggin and the possibility of brain cancer beneath (yes, I actually do have a brain). This was the same aggressive cancer that took my jaw four years ago. Happily, the cancer, if there is a happy side to cancer, was spreading up and down and not in multiple directions. This could have made surgery improbable.

“Following PET and CAT scans and a radioactive MRI, my plastic surgeon Frank consulted with my neurosurgeon, Patrick, and together they devised a plan of attack. Both are eminent in their fields and professionally precise who have worked on several similar surgeries together. They were very confident of success.

“The cancer infected bone has gone and been replaced with a titanium mesh cover; a skin graft has replaced all of the skin on top of my head; and brain biopsies taken during surgery are clear,” he wrote.

“A great result with enormous gratitude to the dedicated doctors and nurses at The Alfred – true heroes each and every one of them. Six weeks of daily radiotherapy begin next week.”

Peter Ford reports Blackman’s spirits remain upbeat, still with his trademark sense of humour.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Blackers.

John is very stoic & determined and still manages to have a laugh…don’t be afraid to send him a message. https://t.co/mOLop7MdZo

— Peter Ford (@mrpford) June 7, 2022

Photo: Blackman.com.au