– I had Head and Neck Cancer.
– It was a tumor at the base (back) of my tongue.
I tried to “reason” my way through the maze of emotions and hazy facts. How did this happen to me? Why did this happen to me? After all, my family history was “clean”, with no known cancers on either side of my family. I had aunts and uncles still living into their 80’s.
Why … Why … Why? "Why me?" "Why now?"
But then I got over the emotional “why” stage and got on with seeking a solution. I have learned there is no “why” … just get on with it.
Dr. Schaye had referred me to a Dr. Sinha, who practiced at the USC’s Keck School of Medicine. I met with Dr. Sinha and listened to his medical opinion. I have always been very suspicious of accepting a first opinion on matters of importance and I am not a “doctor’s person”. But as Dr. Sinha explained my situation and what needed to be done I felt extremely confident that I had found the right man, the right team, to deal with my cancer.
I had done some internet research and also mined information from friends about the USC medical establishment and Dr. Sinha. From everywhere I researched I got back the same positive feedback: Dr. Sinha is a caring doctor and a highly professional surgeon who is uniquely skilled to deal with Head and Neck Cancer (my type of cancer). Dr Sinha also specializes in promoting a better “quality of life” after cancer surgery has been completed.
Both my companion Mary Beth and I were convinced that Dr. Sinha was a genuinely compassionate human being and was the man in whose hands I would put my life. As luck would have it Dr. Sinha was availability for surgery in a couple weeks.
I had (successful) cancer surgery performed by Dr. Sinha in early June.
After the surgery I started a regiment of other treatments that would allow me to regain a normal life style.
– I started radiation at Torrance Memorial Hospital in mid July through late August.
– I worked with Brenda Villegas, the Speech Pathologist who works with Dr. Sinha, to regain my swallowing after surgery and radiation therapy.
– I immediately started the VitalStim program which USC Medical was pioneering and the only center which advocated starting this therapy in conjunction with post surgery and pre-radiation time period.
It was at this time that Dr. Sinha and his team of medical professionals (like Brenda) started a support group for those who have been diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer. The group has evolved from a few that had treatment at USC Medical to patients from the surrounding areas, helping each other get through this very trying time of our lives.
My experience at USC Medical, Torrance Memorial, and the many medical personnel who have supported me has been very positive in every way. 20/20 hindsight has proved that my medical treatment decisions were the best of my life. In only one year my overall health and my quality of life is approaching a level of normality which I had felt, at times, would never occur again.
My swallowing today has progressed to permitting me to eat practically anything I want. Taste still has a way to go but it’s improving day by day. I think my weight loss (35 lbs.) has enabled me to hike (my life’s passion) with more energy than before my surgery.
I owe so much to Dr. Sinha, Dr. Simko, Brenda and my constant companion, Mary Beth (a Speech Pathologist), for their continued insistence that I work hard at recovery, maintain a positive attitude, and do my swallow exercises.
That is my story. The story of one man’s victory over adversity. A story of the many dedicated professionals who helped me achieve that victory. And it’s a story that you can share if you never give up hope, even in your darkest moments.
Remember, it’s great to wake up every day to a world that is beautiful, to share experiences with people whom you love, and to know that there are many more days ahead.