In 2006 I was diagnosed with Stage IV head and neck cancer of the lower tonsil. My oncologists at Johns Hopkins clearly explained the treatments of daily chemo and radiation, and what severe consequences were in store for my ailing body. However, I felt like I was in the safest hands with them; I was loved and supported at home; and we had enough funds to get us through this grueling process. I was so lucky, very grateful, and…incredibly curious.
How would my story unfold? All the blood draws — what were the doctors looking for in these numbers, what do they mean? A mask? I get to have a mask tailor made to my face? How did that even get invented? Who discovered and advanced this radiation technique? A tube in my stomach? Really? Midway through treatment, I used a suction pump to remove excess stuff from my mouth. I was flabbergasted at how many steps we had to go through just so I could stay alive. I was very willing to cede my body to the experts.
So that left me to take care of my mind. Being surrounded by brilliant scientists was exciting for me, so I made lists and asked a lot of questions. Turns out that these people loved explaining things! I was a good listener and notetaker (because no way would I remember all their responses).The timing also worked out for me to join a clinical trial, which made me feel like my experience would help others. My radiation oncologist, Dr. Gopal Bajaj, introduced me to another of his patients, Cookie Kerxton, who later founded 9114HNC and became a dear friend.
This year I will turn 70! I’m very excited to be here to celebrate. Although some effects of the cancer linger on, one thing hasn’t changed. I always have more questions.