Hi,

I joined the group a couple of days ago and wanted to let you know about the interview I had yesterday with a New York Times reporter doing a story on the surgeon, Dr. Eric Genden at Mt. Sinai, who will be doing my biopsy and surgery (transoral robotic and neck resection) this Friday.

Dr. Genden's assistant called me a couple of days ago and told me about the planned NY Times story and asked if I would be willing to be interviewed since I was the next patient up for transoral robotic surgery. Genden has done more of these for head and neck than anyone in New York State. I said sure.

I gave the reporter my story and how I found Dr. Genden by doing internet research after I was told I had probable supraglottic throat cancer by my local ENT.

She will email me after the surgery to see how it went. With the increase of oral cancer (probably due to HPV) and the mildness of the symptoms (me a mild sore throat and a little trouble swallowing) I think people need to know about this cancer and get themselves to an ENT when they have these symptoms.

My primary care PA dismissed my persistent sore throat when I told him about it in early December, telling me to just gargle with salt water. They didn't pay attention until two months later when I came back with more symptoms. Now it looks like whatever I have may be in my lymph nodes based on the PET and MRI scans. I won't know anything for sure till a week after surgery when the pathology reports come in.

I'll let you all know when I have the follow up interview so you can watch for the article.

Wish me luck, surgery is 7:30 am Friday, Eastern time

Hi Lizzie,

Very interesting story of self-consciusness and opinionated approach, what a proactive attitude! I am longing to read the interview.
I am sure more veteran forumers will join the discussion soon and I see they welcomed you onboard more properly.

Sounds like you are in very expert hands for Friday, but this does not prevent me from wishing you GOOD LUCK with your surgery.

May you enjoy the best outcome ever,
Lulu

Lizzie, it sounds like you are very knowledgeable. Im glad you had the opportunity to speak with the reporter. You made a great spokesperson for activism! When the article prints, please give us the link if it doesnt show up on the newsfeed. You are correct....people need to know what to look for so they are able to catch this early.

Good luck Friday!!!!

Hi Lizzie: I know you from the ACN Head & Neck cancer forum, so again I will say: best of luck on Friday, sending more prayers (you can't ever have too many) and sounds like you are in good hands with the right doctors.... when you feel well enough be sure to post an update post-surgery.
Ingrid K