You may have noticed I haven’t been on here much as of late. I don’t like sympathy, and I needed to fight this in my own head – with the help of God. I was really hesitant about posting this mess while I was still in treatment.
Back in Dec. 2024, I got my last tooth, bottom right, pulled and the plan was to have a post installed for an implant. I was noticing pain on the very rear right of my tongue.
In February, the oral surgeon told me it looks like I have Squamous Cell Carcinoma in my throat. He quickly referred me to a renowned local head and neck cancer surgeon, Kevin Contrera, also a cutting edge research director.
After a CT scan, biopsy, and PET scan, it was confirmed; I have cancer. I had a tumor in my throat way back where the right tonsil meets the base of my tongue. It also spread to two of five lymph nodes in my neck (still considered regional). The team of docs including the director of head and neck oncology, radiation oncologist, and the head and neck cancer surgeon told me “we cure this” and that I will need surgery, radiation, and maybe chemotherapy. Five year survival rate 95%.
Fortunately, here in Pittsburgh, we are blessed to have the Hillman Cancer center. I cannot say enough about the professionals there and my treatment.
3/4/25 I had surgery. They removed my right tonsil, and a small 1.5 cm tumor via my mouth, and cut my neck and removed 26 lymph nodes from the right side of my neck. Fortunately, we have around 500 lymph nodes in our neck – news to me. I was informed I would not need chemo, but definitely radiation – but only three weeks (five days each week). I spent only two nights in the hospital after being told it was usually a 3-5 day stay. My surgeon was on board with me leaving on day 3 if I was swallowing and peeing. Swallowing was rough for a couple weeks, but I was on to puree foods (think baby food) after only two days. My max pain was about a 6 or 7 – and mainly at a 2 or 3. It wasn’t too bad. I can talk as I did before.
4/7/25 I started a three week course of radiation therapy. After the first week, I could not taste anything. Zero. I didn’t feel too run-down, and the burn on my neck was minimal since I had only 15 treatments. My head being “masked down” to that table was not too comfy. 4/25/25 was my last radiation treatment. I fuckin’ made it boys!
I went to Clearwater Beach Fl. 5/15 with my wife and our older kids for a week. I’ve only taken minimal time off from seeing clients, and I am very slowly regaining my taste. I still have some numbness in my neck, but I swallow normal as before.
Best of all – I haven’t smoked since the morning of my surgery at 5 AM. I didn’t lose hair on my head (did get a significant hair cut though) but I haven’t had to shave my neck in weeks! No hair. But I’m told it will return.
Anyhow fellas, I’m back in the saddle, trying to get my mojo back, and that’s my story. Whew! I still look forward to seeing some of you guys at Carlisle in July!
Harry
