I was treated for a sinus infection starting as early as April, 2004.  After several months of saline solution sprayed up my nose which never helped, the VA finally sent a scope down my nose into my throat area.  On my birthday Aug 3, 2004 at 3:30 pm, I was told I had an (Squamous Cell Carsanoma), aggressive tumor located in my throat area and immediate action was required to save my life. The Senior Oncologist stated a possibility of four months to live and stated I might survive the cancer, but would not be able to survive the treatments.  At that time I told him he was an educated formality but this was between God and me.  As a non-believer he simply thought I was a quack.

It was decided that aggressive Chemo and Radiation therapy would be required.  I was told that the radiation would destroy my teeth and ruin my gums and if the teeth did not come out I could be in a situation that might make it necessary to remove my jaw.  My 32 teeth (which I have in a jar) were pulled on Aug 12, 2004.  On the 23rd of August they performed an outpatient surgical procedure to install a stomach feeding tube while I watched. Interesting to say the least!

The very next day, radiation and chemotherapy were started. My chemo was nine long hours and the radiation was approximately 45 minutes.  A face mask was designed to bolt me to the table during the 47 radiation treatments.  I have several pictures of the third degree burns located on my throat and neck.  The procedure made my  neck look like raw hamburger meat and my ears black and the damage done to my jaw fused it where it will hardly open not allowing me to place my false teeth in and allow me to place a fork or spoon in my mouth should I ever be able to eat again as my throat is only as large as the width of a pencil.

I have had 47 surgeries on my throat as it collapsed due to the extensive radiation. The aggressiveStage IV cancer was located in my throat and lymph nodes of my neck and jaw.  I spent approximately three months in the VA hospital in Dallas, Texas.  I entered weighing approximately 230 pounds and in seven weeks I was down to about 131 pounds.  I don’t recommend this diet.

There was more than one occasion  where my brother and sister were told by my Doctor that I had less than one week to live and to make sure my “things” were in order.  God had different plans.

For over three years I slept in a recliner as I feared dying in my sleep due to aspiration I ground up the following to flush down the feeding tube daily:

– 4,000 MG (8 pills) of Hydrocodone for pain

– 1,500 MG of Gabapentin due to a spinal stroke from the procedures

– 30 MG Morphine Sulfate for pain

This severe ongoing pain was due to the destroyed nerves from the cancer and treatments.  Each time I attempted to get off the medication I either ended up in the ER at the VA or almost in the hospital. My senior doctor stated that I should never attempt to get off the medications since the pain is continuous. Today the only medication I take is Levothyroxine for Thyroid as the radiation damaged that area, Omegrazole for re-flux from all the throat surgeries. I used to send 10 cans of Isosource down my stomach feeding tube daily with each can containing 8.45 Fl. Oz. I had to depend on the feeding tube for 34 months. Since the radiation destroyed my saliva glands I must continue to place water in my mouth due to the dryness.

After my stay in the hospital I was invited to live with friends (Earthly Angels)  for 11 months as I was unable to care for myself. I then moved into a small home and had to continue to keep the area around the feeding tube clean as I contracted salmonella poisoning and had to have assistance from the VA in ridding my body of that.  I had ongoing vomiting for over three months the majority of the day and night.  I also had cataracts in both eyes making it difficult to read, type or watch TV.  I have had cataract surgery in both eyes successfully completed.

Two years after the throat cancer I had the same but not related cancer appear in my left eye.  I got to watch it grow daily until surgery removed it.  Quite an experience watching it grow looking in my 10X mirror as I shaved with what little beard is left from the chemo and radiation.

Through this journey God has never failed me and has been there for all my needs.  I cannot even imagine where I would be without Him and furthermore do not want to even try.  My walk with my Lord is close and His strength has allowed me to share my story with so many along their journey in hopes that the encouragement inspires them to take just one more step always looking up and should any of them that don’t know Jesus have faith in Him and have everlasting life.  As I learned to let go and let God, I experienced true peace and fulfillment.  In my quiet times I think often of those precious people who go about helping me quietly.  They give a gentle touch, have intuitive understanding of my needs, and express compassion without fanfare or effort.

In closing I want to share that whatever the healing need is, God is the answer.  The spirit of God within me is the life force that nourishes, heals, and renews me.  The Spirit of life soothes my body and soul.  I have been healed and made whole…..mind, body and spirit.

God is the answer to every healing need!