Joseph’s Cancer Journey
An art professor triumphs over HPV-positive cancer. Discover his inspiring recovery story and how it transformed his outlook on life and teaching.
30 Stories in 30 Days™ // April 2023
I teach drawing and silkscreen as an art professor at the Pratt Institute. I noticed a swollen area on my neck when my classes wrapped up in 2021. My doctors diagnosed a swollen lymph node, but they were uncertain of the best treatment. So they recommended an otolaryngologist. Since swollen lymph nodes can indicate the body fighting off an infection, my ENT recommended a round of antibiotics.
After two inconclusive biopsies, my ENT went ahead and removed the lymph node, which came back positive for HPV-positive cancer. At that time, my ENT referred me to another head and neck surgeon, who appeared amazingly thorough and calm.
My head and neck surgeon sent me for a PET scan that confirmed the presence of a tumor in my throat, specifically my tonsil. My surgeon also informed me that chemotherapy could have tremendous long-term side effects, so instead, I proceeded to undergo surgery to remove swollen lymph nodes and the tumor. Most importantly, I felt fully relieved to have my cancer removed without radiation therapy or surgical complications.
After my surgery, I stayed in the ICU for two days. A few days after my surgery, I met with a speech therapist who outlined the jaw opening and swallowing exercises I performed during my recovery. As someone who tends to strictly follow rules, I made sure to adamantly adhere to the instructions from my speech therapist. While I could not open my mouth normally for two months after my surgery, I slowly became more comfortable with my swallowing exercises. I initially practiced these exercises using jello and progressed to swallowing denser foods.
As someone who recovered from cancer, I can confidently say that individual therapy played an incredible role for me and my spouse.
For around one month after my surgery, my surgeon instructed me not to sleep on my back. Rather, I slept on a slight incline to protect my airway from the flap. Over time, I progressed to sleeping normally again.
Three months after surgery, I returned to teaching. And now, one year after my cancer diagnosis, my PET scan and blood work do not show any concerning signs. While I remain in careful “watch mode” for the next 4 years, I am truly grateful for all the help I have received throughout my care. I still experience some slight tightness in my neck, but my breathing, swallowing, and taste have returned to normal. I have minimal to no lasting side effects.
As someone who recovered from cancer, I can confidently say that individual therapy played an incredible role for me and my spouse. During my recovery, my spouse greatly benefitted from having a professional therapist to talk with. I cannot recommend enough the value of ensuring that your loved ones have the necessary mental health resources.
Since my recovery, I have also begun to take my health more seriously. I exercise vigorously, and I feel myself getting physically stronger.
In addition, around 6 months prior to my cancer diagnosis, I myself started my journey into becoming a therapist! Throughout my recovery process, while working with the ICU nurses who cared for me, I became inspired and thoroughly impressed by the resiliency of the medical staff. It made me wonder if these nurses had access to therapists themselves.
Since my recovery, I have also begun to take my health more seriously. I exercise vigorously, and I feel myself getting physically stronger. Most important of all, I feel that I now do what I want to do more often. With regard to my profession, I worry less about how I am perceived while I teach. Rather, I focus my efforts on being kind, trusting my intuition, and being vulnerable with my students.
Recovering from cancer has given me greater perspective into the things that are truly essential. Furthermore, I strive to act more openly with my students in the classroom. All in all, I cannot express enough gratitude and respect to my close friends, family, and healthcare workers who have helped me get to where I am.
Interested in Sharing Your Cancer Journey?
For someone recently diagnosed with cancer, reading the stories of other caregivers and survivors can inspire.
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