John’s Story

Site created on December 4, 2023

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.

Dear friends and family, I (Paige) have tried to capture the overview of Dad's journey so far.  We will continue to provide regular updates so you can join us in supporting Dad. 

In early October 2023 Dad discovered a sore in his mouth that wasn't healing and went to have it checked out. The ENT doctor took a biopsy and when the results came back in late October, Dad was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer), located in the lower right portion of his mouth between his cheek and jaw. He was referred to Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle for treatment. 

Mom and Dad met with Dr. Barber to discuss treatment options. With this type of cancer, they recommend surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue and bone to ensure they have clear margins and can get all of the affected cells. It's an aggressive treatment, which hopefully negates the need for radiation therapy.  The encouraging news is that his tumor is well defined and "slow growing" so they feel they can likely get it all with surgery. Dad likes Dr. Barber and the members of the care team he's met with so far.

November has been series of scans and blood tests to ensure they have the most up to date information for Dad's surgery, which has been scheduled for 12/12 at UW Medical Center. He will be Dr. Barber's only patient that day for the 8+hour surgery. He will recover in the hospital for 5-7 days post op.  The team said recovery after that would likely be 6-8 weeks. We are thankful to have Dad's sisters, Bette and Pat, coming to town for added support during the surgery and immediate recovery time. 

Dad has already had many people reach out to check on him and offer support. Thank you. The love and support from family and friends during this time means the world to us. 

-The Langlee Family
John, Ann, Dave & Paige (Langlee) LeDoux 

Newest Update

February 24, 2024

Journal entry by Ann Langlee —

Hello friends and family,

I am happy to report that John is making good improvement.  The PT and lymphatic massage therapy appears to be helping the range of motion in his neck.  It has allowed him to take part in the men's putter group.  He  enjoys meeting up with his HS wrestling coach, Dixon Wightman,  and other ND friends one day a week to putt.  Last week he took some swings on the range and thought he was ready for a round. When I pointed out that that was a big leap from putting one day a week, he thought he should probably give himself a little more time.  In the meantime we are walking daily, practicing putting, getting together with friends and family, and taking in the wonderful AZ climate.  Once again thank you for your continued support!

 

Read More of the journal titled "February 24, 2024"
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