Head and neck cancer survivor shares his MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center journey

Head and neck cancer survivor Chris Williams shares his experience through the discovery of nasopharyngeal cancer (nasal cancer) and treatment process with proton therapy.

“Proton therapy was able to protect my ‘high-end real estate.’ It was able to protect my optic nerves, brain stem, teeth and jaw. Also, proton therapy has fewer side effects such as fatigue, loss of appetite and dry mouth compared to traditional radiation. Knowing that proton therapy would help cut down the side effects helped lift my spirits,” Chris shared.

He distinctly remembers ringing the gong on his last day of treatment. “It was one of the best days of my entire life.”

Besides receiving innovative treatment, Chris was amazed by the personable staff at the Proton Therapy Center. “The staff was very nice and inviting. From the second I walked in the door, they would say, ‘Hi, Chris!’”

[vivalav]

My husband went through head & neck cancer. Treated at MDA in Houston in 2007 w 30 rounds of radiation to the neck, mouth and shoulder area. All was good for many years, until 5 years ago when he started w tingling and dropping things out of his hands. Here we are in 2024, and lost the use of both arms. Also, the flap that he needs to swallow is t working and now on a feeding tube. He had to medically retire from his job. No help from anyone. They say his case is “RARE” and they have no answers. He’s had several surgeries to clean out the scar tissue from radiation from 2007 and no results. Anybody out there w the same issues?

[sidesofeve]

I have sinus cancer and went through 6 Chemo and 30 radiation. I cant generate saliva, lost taste. They wanted to start more chemo but I signed up for MD Anderson for next month. I hope they can help or help give me more time with my family.