Author Archives: beghtelam

1/2/2020 Matt: I was on edge that cancer was even on the list of possible reasons for a paralyzed vocal cord. It sounded crazy to say out loud and unbelievable to friends when they heard me say it. The ENT ordered a Computerized Tomography Scan (CT) to rule out anything so serious. There was aContinue reading “MP 4 (diagnosis #1)”

2nd opinion in Seattle echoed the 1st. About 5% of people with non-small cell lung cancer have a change in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK gene). This results in an abnormal ALK fusion protein. Matt’s RNA analysis showed a ALK translocation while the DNA analysis did not. The ONLY recommended treatment is a targeted therapyContinue reading “MP 13 (what to do)”

12/23/19: I was thrilled that I got to go to the ENT appointment with Matt since I was on Winter Break. Voice has always been a particular interest of mine in the SLP world, but I know that I came by it honestly from having a very musically-talented family (I think we only know howContinue reading “MP 3 at the ENT”

12/1/2020 Matt decides not to serve this week in post-service prayer. His voice is just too weak to be heard over music and conversation. 12/16/2020 Matt has his full physical with the primary care physician. He is a picture of health other than that hoarseness. He gets a referral to the ENT from primary care,Continue reading “MP 2”

We completed 100 miles cycled in the Peach of a Century 8/25/2019. We did it to remind ourselves that we CAN do hard things. October: Hmm could be fall allergies…people can develop new allergies anytime. Try Claritin. It seems to help. It’s odd that your voice gets so weak in loud environments where you reallyContinue reading “Start of Journey to MP 1”

In Annie’s words: On Friday afternoon (1/31/2020) we met with the oncologist for the first time. The doctor gave us the results of DNA testing, but still didn’t have RNA testing completed on the cancer cells. We were told that the RNA results would not change the treatment plan (gamma knife radiation for brain tumorsContinue reading “Milepost 12 (diagnosis #3)”