Mike's Stage 4 Throat cancer battle

In Feb. 2013, I woke up one night and started vommiting blood violently. Two days later I recieved the diagnosis of a Stage 4 throat cancer. The Initial prognosis included radical surgery which would remove my tongue, voicebox and a good part of my face. I chose to explore other options and settled on a course of aggressive radiation and chemotherapy. Over the 7 week treatment program, which involved radiation 5 days a week and a 5 hour chemo session weekly, I lost over 100 pounds of body weight, but with the support of family and friends, I was in remission. In November of 2013, I had a triple bypass. Despite all of the setbacks, I was able to return to work in March of 2014. Even with insurance, the bills are quite expensive. Treatments and follow ups continue and I am grateful to not only have survived, but proved how far cancer research has come. I still have way to go but am looking forward to beating this and living a productive life for many more years. I thank God for each day, and say a prayer of thanks for all of the support and prayers that have gotten me this far.