Dr. David Diamond – My radiation oncologist & friend
Dr. David Diamond is my radiation oncologist and my friend. He is smart, very well respected and has tremendous bedside manner. Back in May 2014 when I was initially diagnosed with HPV-related tonsil cancer, also knows as squamous cell carcinoma and oropharyngeal cancer, he was one of my first phone calls after calling my family. It was an emotional call for me, as I was reaching out to a doctor I knew from social events to share that I was likely becoming his patient. My life would now be in his hands.
2018 New Staging for HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancer – Patients are Beating this Cancer
2018 New Staging for HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancer – I am excited to share that as of January 2018 New Staging was released for those diagnosed with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. When I first learned about this new staging I was concerned that somehow my story would be less meaningful and important for those who heard it, and that it would have less of an impact in creating awareness and saving lives worldwide. I have since changed my mind, and am more enthusiastic than ever to share my story. I believe this new staging will give people hope and confidence to fight to survive.
NBC Nightly News Lester Holt – A Silent Epidemic …… by Maggie Fox – Senior Writer
This has been an awesome week for HPV awareness. I must thank Maggie Fox, Senior Writer for NBC News for contacting me on Monday evening interested in learning more about my stage IV HPV-related oral cancer story.
Dr. Henry Ho – My Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Superhero!
Dr. Henry Ho is my ENT & and as far as I’m concerned a Superhero. He diagnosed my cancer back in May 2014, did my surgery, and saved my life.
Happy Birthday to Me – September 24th I turned 48
Happy Birthday to me – My office places sticky notes on my door to my office – Sharing what they love most about me – What a surprise!
1st Time Meeting – Fellow Survivor – Go Blue!
What an awesome weekend. I flew to Dallas with my 16 year old son Ryan to meet Jay, a fellow cancer survivor with my same diagnosis, and Julie, his best friend of ten years.
My Daughter’s Message to Me
My 16 year old daughter Lauren created the following last week in Language Arts – I am so touched and honored. It makes my heart smile and brought a tear to my eye.
August 11th – Happy 3 year anniversary to me !!!!!!!!!!
August 11th is one of my favorite days of the year. Just three years ago on August 11, 2014 I rang the bell celebrating my last radiation & chemo treatment while battling stage IV HPV-related oral cancer.
Remember What’s Important
Remind yourself daily what’s important. I stress this as I was 44 years old when I got diagnosed with stage 4 HPV related tonsil cancer. My actual diagnosis was Squamous Cell Carcinoma of my left tonsil, as my cancer had spread from my tonsil to two lymph nodes in my neck.
Chemotherapy & Radiation – Separating Mind from Body
Chemotherapy and radiation were certainly no fun, although they were critical for my survival. When I initially received my stage four diagnosis, I immediately asked my ENT, about surgery, chemo and radiation. He told me that with surgery and radiation alone, my chances for survival were approximately 85%.