Stephen’s Cancer Journey
A two-time cancer survivor shares his journey through surgeries, treatments, and recovery. Stephen found hope in medical advancements and the power of support.
30 Stories in 30 Days™ // April 2023
My journey with cancer started with a sore throat that would not go away. After two rounds of antibiotics with no improvements, my doctor performed a scope and found a small abnormality. I turned to the doctor and asked, “On a scale from 1 (not bad) to 10 (awful), how bad does it look?” “Nine,” he said. I was quickly sent to get more X-rays. The doctors found a tumor that had spread beyond my larynx. My biopsy came back positive for stage 4 laryngeal cancer.
I was referred to three different oncologists, who suggested I undergo a total laryngectomy, but I wanted to see if there were alternatives. I went to an ear, nose and throat specialist who confirmed the previous diagnosis. This new surgeon, a very experienced practitioner, offered me alternatives to a laryngectomy and explained that I was a candidate to undergo a new procedure. I asked, “On a scale of 1 (no chance) to 10 (definitely), how likely is it that I will be able to speak again?” He replied, “Seven.”
I knew I had a long road ahead of me. After extensive discussion, I ended up undergoing surgery the following week. It was a 13-hour operation, and I spent the two days after it in a semi-coma.
On my way home from an appointment, I got an urgent call saying my surgeon wanted to see me.
After eight total days in the hospital, I was discharged. I underwent radiation treatment five times per week for 10 weeks. I had many side effects from my treatment; I lost my sense of taste, my salivary glands were destroyed, and I had to use a feeding tube. But a few months later, I noticed improvements in my healing process. My medical team was pleased with my progress, and I began the next phase of treatment, which was outpatient therapy. A main goal of outpatient therapy was learning how to swallow. It took six months for me to successfully swallow again. Over a year after the surgery, I started three months of speech therapy.
That was 16 years ago. Last winter, it came back. This time, I was told I would likely need a total laryngectomy. Shortly after hearing this, I went back to the hospital, underwent surgery and woke up in intensive care. That’s where I spent Christmas and New Year’s. My team placed a tracheostomy to help me breathe, and I went home with a feeding tube to help me get the proper nutrients.
My tumor was nowhere to be seen on the projected scans. It had vanished!
Before that, I had spent almost two decades with no recurrence. A few weeks after the holidays, I got approved for a PET scan. My medical team and I were under the impression that a total laryngectomy would ultimately be inevitable. On my way home from an appointment, I got an urgent call saying my surgeon wanted to see me.
My wife and I were unsure what to expect, but nevertheless we showed up to his office as requested. When I got there, the whole medical team was there. My surgeon looked at the PET and other scans with them.
What happened next was a huge shock. My tumor was nowhere to be seen on the projected scans. It had vanished! The whole team, who had been anxiously waiting to see the results, started applauding. It was a miracle.
I had another operation shortly thereafter. Thankfully, my surgeon confirmed there was no more cancer. My medical team was so supportive during my recovery. I am so grateful for my surgeon, who went beyond what needed to be done. Any other surgeon would have just taken out my larynx.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I underwent my rehabilitation via Zoom and thank goodness, I have been living well. I like to pay it back, so to speak. About five years ago, my wife and I decided to train our Golden Retriever as a therapy dog. Now, five times per month, we take him to different hospitals and the Veterans Administration, so he can be a source of happiness for those undergoing care.
To someone who may face a new cancer diagnosis, know that it is not the end of the world. Medical care has improved significantly, and the resources to help care for you are tremendous.
My experience with cancer has changed my view of medicine, as I’ve seen tremendous improvements in medical care and technology over my many years of treatment. Starting a head and neck cancer patient support group helped me significantly. There were 6 to 7 people in my group, and we relied on one another. I had been part of other support groups in the past, and they were incredibly helpful in getting me through life’s challenges.
To someone who may face a new cancer diagnosis, know that it is not the end of the world. Medical care has improved significantly, and the resources to help care for you are tremendous. There are also many supportive communities. They helped me greatly and can also help you on your path to recovery. Most importantly, cancer cannot kill the soul.
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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