Edward W., OK

I thank God for the opportunity to share my story. In July 2020, a CT-SCAN revealed a nodule on the upper right lobe of my lung. The scan was a follow-up to squamous cell tonsillar cancer treated with radiation therapy in 2017.

After an inconclusive biopsy, a pulmonary resection of the affected lobe was suggested. During the surgery, other nodules were found as well as a spot on my diaphragm. All, but one, were diagnosed to be metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. I asked the surgeon the stage of the diagnosis, and he informed me it was stage IV.

Philippians 4: 6-7 “Be anxious for nothing,… and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. From the moment I heard the doctor’s report, God’s peace has been my constant companion. Knowing He is in control, and having confidence in the OU Stephenson Cancer Center, worry has not been a part of my life.

My initial treatment consisted of a combination of chemo and immunotherapy. Followed by a couple of clinical trials. Though the desired results have yet to be achieved, the fight is still on.

My resolve to continue comes from losing my younger sister to cancer in 2004. Since then, research has made great strides toward eradicating this disease. With much prayer and dedicated funding, further progress can be made in cancer research.