other unforeseen obstacles.
The COVID-19 pandemic prevented Williams from working alongside his new teammates and learning from his coach’s hands-on. The 33-year-old was forced to sit out an entire season and was now entering the final season of his contract with the 49ers not ready to commit long term.
However, Williams once again powered through adversity earning his eighth consecutive Pro Bowl nod, which set him up for a six-year, $138 million contract with the 49ers.
Now the 12-year veteran is headed to the NFC Championship and was recently named a Pro-Bowl starter.
“I didn’t doubt it,” Williams says in regards to returning to his elite-level prior to the diagnosis. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy.” “It was extremely gratifying — just to know I could overcome adversity. Gratifying to know that it all paid off.”
“Just know that you’re not alone,” Williams adds. “As rare as it might be, there are people out here with the same story. It’s never over until it’s over. You just continue to fight, no matter the diagnosis. Nobody has the last say-so but God.”
Tips for managing dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
When practicing self-care after getting treatment for DFSP, the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends the following:
- Keep all follow-up appointments with your doctors. This skin cancer can return after treatment. If DFSP returns, it usually returns within 3 years of treatment. DFSP can return later, too. It has appeared 10 years or more after treatment.
Some patients develop new DFSPs or other skin cancers. For this reason, dermatologists recommend lifelong follow-up exams. These follow-up exams help find skin cancer in the earliest stage. The sooner skin cancer is found and treated, the more likely the cancer can be treated successfully.
- Perform skin self-exams as often as your dermatologist recommends. If you have received treatment for DFSP, it is essential that you learn how to perform a skin self-exam. Your dermatologist or someone in your dermatologist’s office can teach you exactly what you need to know.
When examining your skin, you should immediately contact your dermatologist if you:
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- Find any new growth or rough patch on your skin
- Feel a change in your lymph nodes
- Think about joining a support group. Many people live long lives after receiving treatment for DFSP. Knowing that DFSP can return may be stressful. Some people who have had DFSP say a support group helps them feel better emotionally.
You may be able to find a local support group by asking your doctor or contacting a local hospital. - Ask your doctors what else you can do to improve your outcome. Asking questions can help you feel more in control. Your doctors may have insight that can help you feel better or reduce your risk of getting another form of cancer.