Robin – Grateful patient of Dr. Lisa Shnayder

Adenocarcinoma of the Right Ventral Tongue

After Surviving Hodgkin's Disease, major back surgery, carotid artery surgery, triple bi-pass and mitral valve surgery, numerous skin cancers, prostate cancer, and living with COPD for several years, I was diagnosed with tongue cancer in December of 2008, two weeks before Christmas.

It started as a small pea-size lump under my tongue. I disregarded it, as I couldn't really feel it and there was no pain. I went to my dentist for my regular six-month check-up and cleaning. Everything seemed fine. Six months later, I went back again for my next check-up and this time he asked me, "Can you feel this?" I asked him what he was talking about and he showed in a mirror that the lump that started out as a pea-size a year ago, was now almost a quarter-size; yet, it still wasn't noticeable to me.

He sent me to an ENT doctor who told me he didn't think it was anything to worry about, but that he wanted me to see another ENT doctor. The second ENT doctor agreed that he didn't think that it was anything to worry about either, but my wife suggested that while we were there, shouldn't there be a biopsy taken just to make sure? He agreed and did the biopsies in his office before I left that day. A week later, it was confirmed: tongue cancer.

We were fortunate enough to have inquired about surgeons who did this type of surgery and had been told about the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgeons at KU Medical Center. We even spoke with a current patient of Dr. Lisa Shnayder. We were so impressed with what we were told about her before my surgery, that after the initial consultation with her, there was no doubt that she was who I wanted to do my surgery. She is not only extremely competent in her field, but so personable.  She took as much time as needed with me and my wife to explain everything she was going to do as well as what to expect immediately after the surgery. There were no surprises.

It is comforting to be able to "trust" what you are told and who is telling you, when you have fear of the unknown. Thank-you to Dr. Shnayder, her team of fellow surgeons and the supporting nursing and staff members at KU Medical Center. Never lose faith. I was just diagnosed with lung cancer in October of 2009.