Overview
- Herrmann first noticed a small bump at the end of February and a dermatologist’s biopsy later returned a diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer.
- Three days after learning the diagnosis he went to hospital and four days later he underwent the first of two operations under general anesthesia to remove the tumor.
- Surgeons removed the tumor and several lymph nodes, one of which tested positive for metastasis, and doctors considered but ultimately avoided amputation of his right arm.
- Herrmann signaled the ordeal in an Instagram hospital post, gave a detailed interview to SuperIllu, and will discuss the experience on a special VOX episode and an appearance on MDR’s Riverboat.
- He is recuperating while doing light design work from his hospital bed and relying on family support, and medical next steps could include further local or systemic treatment because Merkel cell carcinoma often requires additional therapy when nodes are involved.