Dan Wells Dan Wells - Throat Cancer

This is Deena, Dan's wife. After a friend's suggestion, we decided it would be a good idea to create this site to help keep family and friends informed on Dan's journey battling throat cancer. His story begins in mid-June, when Dan could feel a little something with his tongue in the back of his throat. His comment to me was, "I had a small voice telling me that I should call Dr Joe and get it checked out." Dr. Joe was concerned and immediately sent him on the an ENT Specialist. The ENT doctor knew as soon as he examined Dan on July 3rd that it was cancer. He scheduled Dan for a surgical biopsy on July 5th. Lab results confirmed it was squamous cell cancer on July 7th. Since that time, it's been a whirlwind - PET scan; consultations with Radiation Oncologist and Chemo Oncologist; consultations with Nurse Navigator and Oncology Dietician; Planning Session with Radiation Oncologist to create treatment mask and do CT scan; and surgery to have a G-tube (stomach feeding tube) put in. Now we are waiting to hear when the first radiation and chemo treatments will begin. Dan will have radiation treatments 5 days a week (Mon-Fri) for 7 weeks (total of 35 treatments), along with 3 strong chemo doses (1 dose every 3 weeks). We have been told the first couple weeks of treatments shouldn't be too bad. Weeks 3 and 4 will be a little rough. Weeks 5-7 were explained to Dan by both Oncologists as, "It's going to kick your butt!" The side effects are going to be extremely tough. Some side effects will be temporary, others will last a lifetime. We have a phenomenal cancer team in place. Both of us have total confidence in their abilities. God has been protecting Dan the entire time. He has a journey ahead of him but he's strong and determined to beat this. Your prayers and kind, heart felt messages have provided us much comfort and peace as we get ready to begin our journey thru the valley. I will do my best to keep you updated on his progress. Thank you for your love and kindness! We send love to you all!