Sometime during 2016, I discovered a lump in my neck, behind my right ear. It didn’t seem to be growing and it wasn’t causing me any discomfort. Plus, at the time, I was still working and life was busy. Tom, my husband, and I had lost several loved ones, all within a span of six months. We were both grieving and preoccupied with these transitions. So, since the lump wasn’t bothering me, it was easy to ignore.
During a routine check-up, in the summer of 2021, my dentist started checking my lymph nodes and noticed a few seemed inflamed. While she was at it, I asked her to look at the lump. She wasn’t sure what it was and referred me to a dental surgeon. After examining me, the surgeon suggested I see an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Finally, a few months later I saw the specialist, who performed a needle biopsy right away. Three weeks later, my world was turned upside down: I was diagnosed with cancer of the right parotid gland. I was swiftly referred to Dr. Kevin Fung, a surgical oncologist, at London Health Sciences Centre’s (LHSC) head and neck clinic. My surgery was scheduled for December 16th, 2021, followed by 30 rounds of radiation. Shortly after radiation, I started chemotherapy, enduring six rounds while also receiving immunotherapy for a year.
The journey through treatment was intense. I was required to be in London for radiation sessions Monday through Friday, for six weeks. Thankfully, Tom and I were able to stay in London for my treatments and go home on the weekends. Tom would drive me to and from my appointments, but sadly, couldn’t go into the hospital with me, given the COVID-19 restrictions. At times, it was quite isolating to receive treatments alone, but knowing Tom was nearby and immensely supportive helped.
After radiation was complete, I was then able to begin chemotherapy and immunotherapy. We were fortunate that these treatments could be delivered in Chatham, where we were living at the time, and which made life a lot easier. Tom had his own health struggles, including a heart transplant in 2019. Watching him face his ordeal with such strength and resilience has always inspired me. Now, it was my turn to draw on that inspiration.
The medical personnel at LHSC were awesome. Dr. Fung is incredibly compassionate and always takes my concerns seriously. Recently, I mentioned some discomfort during a follow-up appointment and he immediately scheduled a CT scan to investigate further. Results came back negative—I am still cancer-free! Dr. Sara Kuruvilla, my medical oncologist, along with her team; Dr. Pencilla Lang, my radiation oncologist, and her team and Dr. Marjorie Gula, my dentist, all provided exceptional care. They ensured that side effects from radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy were minimal and provided support through the lengthy process.
Tom was my rock throughout, just as I had been his during his transplant journey. Together, we navigated these health challenges, always finding hope and support in each other. It’s truly in these moments of vulnerability that you see the best of humanity.