At the end of February 2022 Billy felt as though something was stuck in his throat. He kept coughing trying to get it out but nothing changed. Though it did not hurt, he decided to see the Dr. on March 7th. After one week of antibiotics it grew to the size of a grape and the Dr. realized it was a growth, and not tonsillitis and scheduled a tonsillectomy March 18th.
The ear, nose and throat Dr. Lee said he removed both tonsils and growth, and on March 24, 2022, Dr. Lee said it was cancer. This is the second most common form of skin cancer, characterized by abnormal, accelerated growth of squamous cells. When caught early, most are curable.
Billy had a CECT scan on 3/29, and the radiation oncologist, Dr. Russell said there was no new growths and the treatment plan will be radiation. On 4/8 the Oncologist Dr. T said the cancer was still in his throat and confirmed radiation treatment was the best course of action with no chemo therapy.
Billy had a PET scan 4/12 to verify the cancer did not spread and Dr. Russell indicated that it did not. The next steps will be for the Doctors to review the CECT and PET scan to develop a plan for radiation treatments. Billy was fitted 4/13 for a special mesh mask he will wear during the radiation treatments.
We are also waiting to find out when his 30-35 radiation treatments for six or seven weeks will begin.
We shared this news with Ben and Annaleigh. As a family we remembered God says to “give thanks in all circumstances.” We are thankful we have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we know, He is with us, strengthening us for this trial that He has entrusted to our family. We know there are treasures to collect, but it won’t always be easy.
Please pray we continue to trust God not be distracted or fearful.
“It was good for me that I was afflicted, so that I may learn your statues.” Psalm 119:71
“I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.” Psalm 119:75
