#1 - Jan. 26th, 2024

Hello all, 
Just to get you a little insight on what is going on. 

I have been diagnosed with Oropharyngeal Cancer or throat cancer. 

In early Dec. I tested positive for Covid. The gland on the left side of my neck swelled up to about the size of a walnut and stayed that size. I decided, by the loving suggestion of my amazing wife, to go into the walk in clinic on Dec. 23rd. Right before Christmas. The walk in dr. sent me to the hospital immediately to have an ultrasound done on the lump. 



(Not sure why those words are bold but I didn’t feel like retyping all of that. lol.)


Those results came back “concerning”. 

This led to a referral for a CT scan of the neck area. Those results came back “worrisome”. 

We were blessed to have one of Megan’s friends (she is a radiologist) Her husband (also a radiologist) was the one that did the initial reading of the CT scan. They have both been an amazing source of input and have been instrumental in helping expedite this process.

The CT results led to a biopsy of the lump in my neck. The biopsy of the lump came back “suspicious”. 

This led to a visit to Dr. Kurniali an oncologist at Sanford. (2 weeks quicker than originally told) An amazing Dr. which was able to fast track an appt with Dr. Nelson (ENT). The appt was set up almost 3 weeks faster than I could have gotten. Dr. Nelson did a scope of my throat and found something on the base of my tongue which is not supposed to be there. 

Dr. Kurniali stated that is would take 1 1/2 to 2 weeks to schedule a PET scan. His nurse came in and said “Something funky in the universe is looking over you because I was able to get your PET scan set up for 3 days from now. 

PET scan results came back promising. Learning that the only place that cancer is at is in the lymph node and the base of the tongue. No hot spots anywhere else in the body. 

They were planning on doing a biopsy on the spot on my tongue but I ended up with Influenza A. During that time the Drs had what is called a Tumor Discussion board. 15-20 staff members meet to discuss results of new cases. This group looks at all reports and made the decision that waiting for another biopsy was not necessary and should move forward with treatment. The results told the story well enough without that last biopsy. 

We have been meeting with Radiation Oncologists and Head and Neck surgeons as well as Oncologists gaining information on treatment options. 

It has been a whirlwind of Drs. Appts in the past month. All the while Megan had her tonsils out and a procedure on her stomach. I do not know what I would do without her. She has walked side by side with me through this process while feeling pretty rough herself. I’m blessed to have her in my life. 

Well that’s about where we are at. We need to gain a little bit more information and make a decision and move on it. 

We appreciate the outpouring of love and support from everyone. 

As we walk through this, we will do our best to keep updating here and keep loved ones as well informed as we came. 


We love you all. God’s got this. 

All we need to do now is lean in and press on. 

Dave