Bob Lambert and his wife, Annette, enjoy a recent hike together.

Bob Lambert, a 63-year-old aerospace production manager from Tewksbury, has faced a series of health challenges since 2016, when he was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow. CCL tends to grow slowly, so patients in early stages of the disease may not undergo treatment right away. This was the case for Lambert, whose doctors initially adopted a watch-and-wait approach due to the manageable nature of his condition. As the years went by, however, his cancer progressed, and his health concerns grew more complex.

In 2019, Lambert noticed spots on his face, prompting a referral to Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center’s High-Risk Skin Cancer Clinic. The clinic’s team offers specialized care for patients at increased risk for all types of skin cancers. This includes people with certain types of conditions, including other forms of cancer, or those who are immunocompromised, such as organ transplant recipients, who are at higher risk of certain types of cancers due to long-term use of immunosuppressants.

Through its multidisciplinary approach to care, the clinic provides long-term prevention and surveillance for those with multiple or high-risk skin cancers, aiming to reduce the occurrence of new cancers.

Shortly after Lambert’s visit to the clinic, he was diagnosed with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. While typically not life-threatening, these lesions can cause complications if left untreated. His experience highlights the intricate relationship between CLL and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, underscoring the importance of vigilant monitoring and early intervention.

“Patients with CLL not only are prone to getting more cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas but are also at risk of higher-stage or more aggressive tumors,” explained Emily S. Ruiz, MD, director of the High-Risk Skin Cancer Clinic and academic director of the Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery Center. Ruiz led Lambert’s treatment team and crafted a comprehensive plan to address his evolving health care needs.

Over the years, Lambert underwent multiple Mohs surgeries, a type of surgical procedure to remove cancerous skin layer by layer. On Christmas Eve 2020, a concerning spot on his nose led to an extensive Moh’s surgery lasting over seven hours. This procedure, complicated by nerve involvement, marked a turning point for Lambert, who needed radiation therapy and chemotherapy for the first time following the procedure. Then, in early 2022, Lambert underwent extensive surgery, including reconstructive procedures, for a persistent and aggressive tumor on his head that invaded a large nerve.

Despite all that he’s been through, Lambert’s resilience shines through. “I was lucky to have a team of doctors who were incredibly helpful in explaining why and how it happens,” he said. “The team has been exemplary in helping me understand what’s going on and how to mitigate some of these problems.”

Fondly known as “Uncle Bob” by some, Lambert has become a familiar face at the clinic, forming connections with staff and fellow patients.  Reflecting on his experience, Lambert is determined to pay it forward. He has taken on the role of guiding and supporting others facing similar challenges, often accompanying friends to their appointments and offering them reassurance.

Looking ahead, Lambert sees a potential role in volunteering at the hospital post-retirement, inspired by the supportive atmosphere he encountered during his own treatment. “It helps the patient a lot, boosting their morale while going through a difficult time,” he remarked.

Lambert remains optimistic about enjoying life’s milestones with his loved ones. “Two years ago, when my wife and I were celebrating our 40th anniversary, it was postponed because of my treatments, but we’re going this summer to Europe,” he said. “I’m ready to enjoy the golden years with my wife, Annette.”