Lanny Stiles II

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.  A couple of months ago, Lanny noticed a small lump in his neck while shaving.  He decided to watch it for a month or so (without saying anything to Stephenie).  When he finally told her, she insisted he see the doctor.  The general physician sent him on for an ultrasound.  That indicated an enlarged lymph node and he was referred on to the ENT.  After waiting about 4 weeks to finally see the ENT, he did biopsies that came back "inconclusive" but not "glaringly cancerous".  He referred Lanny on for a CT scan.  When those results came back, they showed "something of concern".  After a short discussion, it was determined it was best to take out the lymph node.  That brings us to August 8, 2017.  We went in hoping for an outpatient 1-2 hour surgery to remove 1 lymph node.  Unfortunately, that initial lymph node was immediately sent to Pathology and was determined it was Squamous Cell Carcinoma.  At that point, it was decided that all of the lymph nodes on the right side of his neck needed to come out.  After about 3 hours, that was complete, but the doctor wanted to know the point of origin for this cancer.  So, he spent another hour exploring (now a total of 4 hours under anesthesia).  At this point, the doctor thinks that the cancer started at the back of his tongue.  He did a biopsy and now we wait...
He spent last night at Liberty Hospital and will remain here at least 1 more night.  We are hoping the drain that is in place begins to slow down.  If that happens, we are hopeful that he can go home tomorrow.  He will be resting/recovering for the next 3 or so weeks while having appointments with KU Oncology and Radiation doctors to determine the course of treatment.  Most importantly at this point, please include him in your prayers!  #fearless