Ryan’s Story

Site created on January 26, 2019


Ryan is fighting stage IV cancer; what's YOUR super power?


Three years ago, Ryan had tonsil cancer. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor, but neither chemo nor radiation were given. After that, all was well and follow-up scans were clear.

In August of 2018, he felt a small nodule on the side of his neck, but his doctor wasn't alarmed and said it was "part of his neck." By November, the nodule was a lump, and there were nodes underneath the skin on his chest where there's been collection of lymph fluid for many years. (Many of you reading this are familiar with the fact that Ryan has an underlying condition - a lymphatic disorder, which he was born with). Imaging showed changes in his body since the last scans done in 2016, and a biopsy was performed. The squamous cell carcinoma had returned - it was found in both the lump on his neck and in the nodes on his chest. Further imaging showed that disease may have moved into other areas of his body as well (though we aren't sure of that until we see follow up scans in seven weeks, after he's received two cycles of chemo).

We quickly moved over to Sloan Kettering, where Ryan is now receiving treatment. Follow Ryan's page for updates on his treatment and progress. ॐ ॐ ॐ

Newest Update

March 13, 2019

Journal entry by Dawn Bossman —

Tomorrow is Ryan’s 8th infusion - the final treatment of the second chemo cycle. Monday is a Pet scan and we’ll have results next Thursday. It is hard not to be a little nervous but Ryan seems to have mastered his nerves - he’s super positive, sweet, and happy. 

Last Saturday, our dear friends Yukiko and Ikeda visited from Tokyo. They came to NY for three days just to see us! And on Sunday, our dearest sister Flor came over to watch the Great British Baking Show with us. 

Ryan shaved his head a week ago. Although the doctors had said it would only thin, tons of it was coming out each day. Those of you who know Ryan know how much hair he had.... After shaving it off, he feels free and handsome :)

We will keep you posted in about a week with results of the Pet scan.
Read More of the journal titled "March 13, 2019"
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