In January 2018, at the age of 62, Gail experienced a consistent sore throat. This was not particularly unusual since she was prone to sinus infections. She went to her primary care physician and was treated for strep throat. However, Gail continued to experience the same symptoms. Plus, she felt as if shards of glass were lodged in her throat, and then a growth appeared on the inside of her mouth. She returned to her primary care doctor, who looked in her mouth and attempted to not be alarmed. Gail could sense that something was not good. She was then referred to a local ENT who did a biopsy. The biopsy confirmed that Gail had an HPV-related squamous cell cancer on the left tonsil. I appreciated the honesty of the local ENT doctor who suggested that I go to University of Pennsylvania or Jefferson in Philadelphia, about 2-1/2 hours from my home, explained Gail. I went to Penn, and on March 14, 2018, I had a 12-hour robotic surgery (TORS) to remove the cancer. The surgery included removal of the tumor and left tonsil, a neck dissection, removal of 42 lymph nodes, and a skin graft to act as a ‘flap’ to cover the opening that was inside my mouth. After the flap was healed enough, she started six weeks of daily proton radiation. Now, of course, there is so much more to this journey, but that’s a book to perhaps be written at another time, said Gail.
Gail is currently focused on healing and adjusting to her new normal following treatment. Eating remains a challenge due to the reconfiguration of her throat, and both her sense of taste and ability to swallow have been affected.
Despite these challenges, Gail maintains a positive outlook. “I remain optimistic and use my humor as a tool for survival,” she says. “I’ve lost approximately 45 pounds through this journey, and while I had the weight to lose, I tell people I wouldn’t recommend the cancer diet!”
Now retired, Gail enjoys many of her favorite pastimes, including reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
She continues to attend follow-up appointments with her medical team at Penn, primarily for ongoing support. In July 2022, she underwent surgery to remove bilateral intramuscular thigh myxomas. Fortunately, no cancer was found.
Although Gail has faced numerous medical challenges, she remains focused on the positives in life and continues to appreciate both its simple joys and major milestones. She is also actively involved with several local social justice and community advocacy organizations and looks forward to continuing her support of the Head & Neck Cancer Alliance.
To request Gail for your local event, please contact us at info@headandneck.org or complete the online form.
