Jerry’s Cancer Journey
Read Jerry’s inspiring story of overcoming larynx cancer, finding new hope through friendships and how a chance encounter with a puppy changed his life.
Jerry // 30 Stories Campaign™ // Oral Cancer Awareness
My cancer journey began 25 years ago with a diagnosis of larynx cancer. Following the diagnosis, I underwent a total laryngectomy and received a tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP). This procedure granted me the ability to speak again after surgeons removed my larynx (voice box). Around the same time, I faced a personal loss. My mother-in-law, with whom I shared a close bond, passed away in a cruel twist of fate the same week I had major surgery.
After leaving the hospital, my return home featured a warm family gathering at a beloved local restaurant. There, the owner, acknowledging the limitations to what I could eat, thoughtfully served me mashed potatoes. During those early, challenging days, my aunts and uncles were pillars of support, providing me with pureed foods to ease my recovery.
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…my struggle with cancer… was intertwined with my history as a Vietnam veteran…
My battle with cancer began with a heavy burden of self-blame. Despite not being a heavy smoker, the guilt from my smoking habit haunted me deeply. This guilt was compounded by a profound sense of shame over my changed voice, to the point where I depended on my wife to speak on my behalf. However, my struggle with cancer wasn’t isolated—it was intertwined with my history as a Vietnam veteran and my exposure to Agent Orange. This exposure added a complex layer to my health challenges, making my fight against cancer not just a battle against the disease but also a confrontation with my past.
The journey was isolating at first. I avoided speaking even to my children, communicating through my wife. Yet, three months in, I began to regain my independence, though recently, a knee surgery introduced a new challenge to my mobility that I continue to work and fight through.
Phone conversations still present a challenge for me, given uncertainties about my voice. Among the many hurdles, one particularly memorable—and somewhat humorous yet daunting—experience involved a space heater during a cold winter. I found myself struggling to breathe due to the dry air lacking humidity, highlighting another unforeseen challenge in my new normal. Amidst this, my wife and I found comfort and understanding in a Facebook support group for caregivers. This community became a beacon of solace, showing us we were not alone in our journey.
…using an electrolarynx to communicate… My nieces and nephews affectionately nicknamed me Uncle Froggy…
Facing the prospect of returning to work at a local high school, I contemplated disability due to my apprehensions about the students’ reactions. I started working nights, using an electrolarynx to communicate, to avoid interaction. Over time, however, the students and I adapted to each other. A turning point came when a curious little girl at the candy store asked about my voice, leading me to embrace my condition with humor and acceptance. My nieces and nephews even affectionately nicknamed me Uncle Froggy, a nickname I found hilarious.
A significant chapter in my recovery unfolded shortly after I resumed daytime shifts at school. One morning, I found a puppy waiting at the school’s door. Taking her home marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. She became my therapy. With her by my side, I started talking to strangers at the park and ventured out more. Fate had indeed intervened, providing a loving home for her and a lifelong buddy for me. This friendship, which lasted for 15 wonderful years, became one of the best outcomes of my post-cancer life.
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Seek out others who are navigating the same struggle. There’s significant strength in unity.
My cousin Anthony, who grew up with me in Brooklyn, played a pivotal role in my recovery. He encouraged me with a story about a friend who faced a similar ordeal. Anthony urged me to live freely with the mantra, “I’m alive, I don’t care.” Even though I later learned the story was fictitious, it still empowered me to reclaim my life, to wear tank tops, and to enjoy my existence.
Along this journey, I befriended someone facing a similar battle. Our mutual support underscored the importance of connecting with others in similar situations, providing immense encouragement. This journey taught me a few things: the resilience of the human spirit (my spirit), strength through adversity, and the power to bounce back. Seek out others who are navigating the same struggle. There’s significant strength in unity.
Recently, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel across the country and the world. My wife and I visit Sicily every few years to connect with family and friends. On these journeys, I’ve met many individuals with similar experiences, who also have undergone laryngectomies. It’s comforting to discover others like me, and I cherish the opportunity to see the world and share these moments with my family.
Reflecting on the past 25 years, I marvel at the strength I gained and the journey I navigated. I live in the present, embracing each day with gratitude and I wish to share with other cancer survivors the resilience and power of the human spirit. I hope my story can help others feel more empowered and able to bravely face the challenges ahead of them.
You will be surprised just how strong you can be, as my journey made me and my family stronger.
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