Life can become really busy and before you know it what you intend to do tomorrow is put on hold for another day.  Then six weeks have passed in the blink of an eye and you have no idea where the time has gone. 

In those last six weeks, I've been focusing on adjusting to my life post treatment. For so many months, the priority on appointments, treatment, medications, schedules, and doctors was very intense.  It seemed to be the topic of every conversation and thought that went through my brain.  I started to worry people had enough and I didn't want the cancer to identify me.  During the month of August, it really took a concerted effort to redirect my attention to my strength and being a healthy woman again.  Once I consciously started shifting my mindset, I felt so much better.  I'm walking regularly and feeling stronger every day. I'm much more grateful for the way my days have been filled with so many blessings. I have come to place a much higher value on my sleep, and no longer burn the midnight oil to cross something else off the to do list. I'm also successfully managing the side effects of verzenio and feeling positive that it is doing its job. I'm confident I'll be able to continue the regimen for the two years Dr. Devineni prescribed.  I felt like life was starting to land at its new normal.

Then a couple of weeks ago, as Vern woke up and got ready to start the day, he said he thought he better see his physician.  He said his throat had been sore for 3 weeks and he asked if I saw the swollen glands in his neck.  I did.  Even more worrisome was the fact that his Adam's apple didn't seem to be in its proper place.  No need to be concerned I told myself.  I'm taking things as they come.  I just need to stay focused in the present. 

After Vern was done with work that day, he went to the clinic. Pretty soon I received a text. He didn't have strep throat. Nor tonsillitis.  They are checking for TB and C.  I scrunched my forehead.  I asked - although I knew - C?  The next text: C=cancer. 

No.

As it turns out, they ruled out tuberculosis.  The labs, exam and scans led them to cancer.  There has been a shortage of ENT doctors in our region, so he was immediately referred to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.  All of his records transferred and he focused on getting his appointments scheduled.  Appointments and tests that I myself had been through and had hoped we would avoid having done or talking about for quite some time.

In order to get everything scheduled in Rochester, we went through the process a little out of order.  Up first was a PET scan, of all things.  I kept reminding myself Faith > Fear.  Until we have those results, we need to be calm.  Fortunately, that afternoon we met with a head & neck surgeon and got the results.  Yes, cancer in the throat and it moved into some surrounding lymph nodes.  Thus the swollen glands that were visible.  I sighed with relief and thanked God once I knew there was no further spread.  

Dr. Tashi explained to us that 90% of the throat cancer they see starts as a virus the body encounters and the immune system does not clear. The other way throat cancer begins is from smoking or tobacco use.  Until they did the biopsy on his lymph nodes the end of that week, we wouldn't know the root cause of the cancer they found at the base of his tongue.  She did tell us that the type that begins from the virus has a very good prognosis and generally they can treat & cure it using radiation and a low dose of chemotherapy.  Since this treatment plan is rather successful, there's no need to do surgery which would delay getting started with the radiation and chemo.  We left that day with solid information and additional appointments that week.

Vern went back to Rochester to have a mouth exam to ensure no teeth would need to be removed before the treatment began.  He also had a swallow study to establish a baseline and the biopsy.  The results of the biopsy were slightly delayed over Labor Day weekend.  We  found out shortly thereafter that his throat cancer was caused by a virus, as Dr. Tashi suspected.  The Rochester care team did an amazing job getting him scheduled to visit with the radiation oncologists, Dr. Wilson and Dr. Bennett. They also scheduled time to make the mask he'll wear during the proton therapy and complete the radiation simulation.  At this point, we have an upcoming appointment with the medical oncologist to talk more about the chemo they will be giving him.  

Our spirits are good, despite feeling like we had only just arrived on the other side of this type of treatment as we were dealing with my health.  Vern wants to get started with the radiation as he knows the only way to finish is to get going!  The standard treatment for this type of throat cancer is 7 weeks of radiation, with a dose of chemo once a week.  We have talked with the care team about the side effects and know there will be some rough times in the next couple of months. Fortunately, Mayo has a trial that he can participate in. They will test him after 4 weeks of treatment and determine if those have been successful. If that's the case, they can shorten the treatments by about a week and a half.  While it sounds like a small amount, having been through this myself, I know how much that little bit can have an impact on the body.

Dr. Wilson has told him that he should be able to work for a couple of weeks as he first starts the radiation.  All of the treatments will be done in Rochester as he'll be receiving the proton therapy.  We're working through our options, for commuting while working and considering if we want to stay in that area through the treatment.  Fortunately with my job, there is some flexibility so I can be with Vern.

Our close friends are in disbelief, and I'm sure you may be too if this is the first you're learning of our situation.  I admit, it took a bit to process.  I can only continue to ask God in my daily conversations with him, what are you trying to teach us?  What are we to learn from this experience?  He's continued to bless us with much support and prayers, which we continue to welcome into our hearts.  We will continue to be stewards of His word, and emphasize the importance of self-care.  Of course, regular physical check-ups are a must as well.

You may recall, it has been almost a year since I started on my journey.  I recently celebrated another birthday, and this one was more meaningful than most.  While I was fortunate to spend the day with Vern at Mayo, I was grateful that I had the privilege to celebrate another year of life. All of the texts, cards, well wishes and gifts from many of you made it a very special day.

At the moment, we are blessed beyond measure and have all we need.  We are anticipating some additional costs with commuting to Rochester, and perhaps a need for some carpooling.  As those needs arise, we'll be sharing ways you can help through this site. 

We love you, our family and friends.  Thanks for being a special part of our lives.

As always, we remain Chins Up!