History of New Thought and Unity

After several diagnostic tests, I was diagnosed with throat cancer in February of 2020. I told myself and my wife, Barbara, that I was going to beat this. Through affirmative prayer I received an affirmation I used throughout my cancer treatment: I will beat this. Barbara an I used affirmative prayer throughout the healing of my cancer. My doctor was surprised that I didn’t have any pain or problems when I swallowed. I explained that I have a high threshold of pain and that I didn’t have any problems with swallowing or pain. My doctor told me that our first step was to get to an ENT (ears, nose and throat).

At the time there were no ENT’s available at UC Health in Fort Collins for a couple of weeks. In my mind I wanted to start things as soon as possible so we decided to go to Aurora to see the ENT. There they determined the size and actual location by putting a scope in my throat. After that it was off to the Oncologist. There, he told me what the course of treatment would be. I would get chemotherapy 2 times a week and radiation 5 times a week for 7 weeks. My Oncologist also explained that he was going to install a chemo port near my shoulder and a feeding tube. He wanted to install the feeding tube at the beginning of the treatments since my body would be stronger and that there is no way to predict that when I would be no longer able to swallow due to the radiation. Knowing in my mind I knew I was going to beat this and keep working as long as possible, I thought things out. I delivered mail and carried my satchel on my right shoulder, so I had my chemo port put near my left shoulder. I had no control on the placement of the feeding tube, but the doctor assured me that I could continue walking and delivering mail. I worked for a couple of weeks and then the Covid epidemic hit, and it was decided that I should stay home because of my weakened immune system.

I started my treatments in early February. My treatments went smoothly, and Barbara would always drive me to my appointments. All during this time I kept telling myself that I was going to beat this. I eventually got to the point where I had to start using the feeding tube. I was weaker but could still walk around without the aid of a walker. I completed my treatments and was told that I was cancer free. I met with my Oncologist and was informed of the post-operative exams. I would be seen by my ENT and I would have a CT scan every 6 months for 2 years and then 1 a year for 3 years. I was told that by the 2 year mark the odds of cancer to return were extremely low. I am now approaching the final ENT and Oncologist (CT scan) this May. This will complete my treatment and tests.

I honestly can’t say that my thought alone cured my cancer, but what I can say is that having a positive attitude that I can beat this, told me to use all that is available to me. I believe that my treatments were not as hard on me as what I could expect. I remained in good spirits with the encouragement from Barbara.  I volunteered at the Gardens at Spring Creek and went back to school during my recovery and Covid was still going on. So, as I approach May this year will be my 5 year mark, and I will be cancer free and will be graduating from Front Range Community College with an Associates of Science in Horticulture. My positive thoughts allowed me to recover faster and furthered my education.