Stage 4 Laryngeal Cancer and Hope

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In this narrative, Sharon Andrak shares some inspiring words of hope and recovery.

March 23, 2004
By Sharon Andrak

Well, I am hoping that my little story can make you and your family feel more optimistic. My first cancer appeared in Nov. of 97. I then was told I had stage 4 cancer. I was only 37 at the time. I smoked for many years too. I was hoarse, coughing blood, and I had a noticeable tumor in my throat that even showed on the outside of my neck. Since I was quite young at the time they tried the chemo and radiation first. I needed to get the chemo right away because the tumor was so big they needed to shrink it so I could breathe easier and eat. My chemo and radiation ended in about May of 98 and I was feeling pretty good. Then in April of 99 I found out that the cancer was again there. I had my laryngectomy on April 15, 1999. That will be 5 years ago in a few weeks but what I am trying to say is: I was stage 4 and a very bad stage 4.

When I first found out I was down to about 80 pounds. I am normally about a good 130 pounds and I feel so good now. I am at 152 pounds...lol, but please tell your dad to never give up hope and neither should you or your mom. I honestly feel that your attitude towards cancer has a lot to do with how you survive through it all. I know when I first found out, many of my friends and family might of though I wasn't going to make it. I did look pretty sick, but I never, ever thought of me not making it.

Life does go on after the surgery and your dad may live life a bit different afterwards, not only physically but emotionally too. Everyone handles it in a different way. I myself never got depressed. I live life one day at a time. Things that may have upset your dad a year ago may not seem as bad after facing the Big C. Please don't let the Stage 4 scare you. Like I said, that is what I was. Please keep us informed on his progress. I hope this helps. You will get many views on this and this is just mine.Have a great day. Sharon Andrak