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Erik’s Story

Site created on August 1, 2014

Initially diagnosed with oral cancer in 2001, Erik under went an extensive surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering in June. He had a graft from his left forearm to his right cheek. He had a 2 1/2 week hospital stay and then started 1 1/2 months of daily photon radiation.
In July of 2014, Erik was again diagnosed with oral and jaw cancer in the same spot as 2001. In September, he under went a 16 hour surgery at Sloan Kettering but had greater loss. He lost his lower right jaw, and upper right teeth. His right chest wall muscle was shifted to cover the surgical region. He was hospitalized for 5 weeks. In November started daily chemo and proton radiation for 2 months. He has had 2 clean up/ repair surgeries.
In March 2017, Erik went to MD Anderson for a complicated reconstruction surgery which last 23 hours. It involved grafting a bone artery and muscle from his right leg to rebuild the jaw. The surgery failed 36 hours later do to blood supply complications. He had an 8 hour emergency surgery to try and save the graft. It wasn't saved. One week later he repeated the surgery with a graft from the other leg in an 18 hour surgery. After a month in the hospital Erik was released to recuperate at home.
It has been a long journey, but Erik has been generously supported by many many family and friends. He shares his diary here on Caring Bridge.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Erik Schmidt — Jun 29, 2022

Blake's Lemonade Stand:

Blake, Max & Spencer are hosting their 4th annual LEMONADE STAND on Fourth of July. They are donating ALL the earning to CAMP KESEM. Kesem is a FREE camp for kids whose parents are affected by CANCER. Their dad has battled Jaw Cancer 2X.

Below is a link to Blake's PayPal. Please copy and paste into your browser and it will make these kids happy.

https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8L5wKF9l8L

Read More of the journal titled "June 29, 2022"

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