Mark Margotta

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.   My story so far, some of you may have been following, but I will create this timeline from the beginning.


 This all started when I had an infected molar, I went to dentist in May 2019 to have the tooth pulled, I noticed that my right neck lymph node was swollen.
The tooth was pulled, but the small swelling in my neck did not go away, actually started to be quite pain full. So I went to a ENT( ear nose throat specialist.
He ordered the biopsy of my throat early May 2019. The biopsy on 5/3 showed Squamous cell carcinoma of left sinus. A Chemotherapy and radiation plan
was drawn up by my Oncologist and Radiologist.  Treatment comprised chemo 1 day a week for 9 weeks week for 35 sessions. That was the worst experience
and hardest period for me and my body to go through. For example, I could not walk due to pain and weakness, was in wheelchair for a while.  Talking and swallowing became difficult. But through al that, with the support of my wonderful wife, I could stay at home and pretty much due for myself with modifications. Of course I was on heavy doses of different prescriptions and not able to work or even leave the house much. So This was a summer lost. 
 After the treatment plan ran its course I had a full body PET scan w/ contrast, that showed no active cancer. WooHoo. This was in late August as they have to wait at least a month from last date of RAD and Chemo treatment before they do that PET scan. 


  Since that time the lump of Necrotic tissue left over on the side of my neck never dissipated. actually got larger and more painful. I still could not swallow food and have had a "G" tube in my belly to inject formula for feeding. I can swallow small amounts of liquids, but no real food. This is still how I feed myself to date.  
So the lump is painful on my neck and will not go away, I requested a specialist surgeon from my oncologist to examine. The new doc requested another biopsy, which still came up negative for active cancer cells. WooHoo again. Unfortunately, this doc wants to do surgery to actually open up my neck and either remove or at least find out what is still causing the swollen node on my neck. That surgery is Thursday Nov 14 AT OHSU Portland, OR.  I am prepared as best I can for this surgery, we hope it will resolve some issues,  my friends and family cannot be thanked enough for their support, notably Joe and Roxy Barnes-Mackey. I should be home in 4-5 days from this procedure. Love to all and I will update as possible. The surgery starts at 7:30 AM and may last from 2-5 hours. Gina or Roxy will post updates after surgery.