Matthew’s Story

Site created on October 4, 2023

In 2006 Matthew was diagnosed with oral cavity cancer. After having a partial tongue removal and a radical neck dissection, the cancer came back. Matthew underwent 8 weeks of daily radiation, and 4 rounds of chemotherapy. Matthew had been cancer free for 17 years until a couple of weeks ago, when we learned that he now has  small cell spindle cell carcinoma, caused by radiation. On Friday October 6th, he will have the front portion of his tongue, and the left side of his jaw removed.. Thankfully he will have the jaw reconstructed at the same time of the tongue removal, and we are confident that this surgery is the best chance for a cure. Thank you for your prayers, love, support, and following on this journey. There are several of us posting, and we hope to keep you as up to date as possible. Matthew is a bright and beautiful soul!! God Bless! 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Kanada Yazbek

How does that saying go? If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. 

This has been a long week (Yes, I am fully aware that it is not over yet.) 

Matthew had a rough week, feeling icky however if you know him you also know that it doesn't break his spirits. It rocked him a little though if we are being honest. Or maybe it just rocked Kacey, Mom and I, we are worriers. 🥰

On Tuesday Matt had labs done and it showed that his kidney function and hemoglobin hit a low that the oncologist didn't care for. So, the game plan for that has been to get him infusions this week and hope that helps bring those numbers up. Now, if you have ever been through this you know that those are things that are always being monitored and this is not something that shocked anyone. It is just not ideal. 

Then yesterday Matt was feeling a little under the weather and he did test positive for Covid. 

We already determined that he isn't going to catch a break so if you are wondering that.. you don't need to. 

That is our update and with all that being said we have been advised that Matthew will not be able to travel home to MN, not now. We are devastated to say the least and we could all use some prayers. 

Thank you everyone and I want to say a special thank you to Kris and Brett for helping us with Matt's get together.  We are just so blessed and the way people show up... Nothing short of amazing. 

All our love, 

Kana

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." – Proverbs 16:9

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