Ray Egan was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of his tongue and lymph nodes in July of 2017. Upon diagnosis, it was suggested that Ray undergo a glossectomy or removal of the tongue. And, if you know Ray, he was not about to jump into anything without carefully investigating all his options. After exhaustive research, Ray concluded that he would start chemotherapy and radiation right away. Although this route was less evasive then a glossectomy, it still had lasting consequences. Ray had to have ALL his teeth extracted in preparation for the radiation. Ray has endured numerous hospital visits over the past 9 months.
February 2018 marked the last of Ray’s seven chemotherapy and 35 radiation treatments. Results are very favorable. Ray’s tongue is slowly returning to normal and the lymph nodes on the side of his neck have shrunken dramatically.
Ray is a long-time resident of Minnesota. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with both a mechanical engineering and sociology degree. In 2012, Ray started his own engineering consulting company. He sold his successful business to one of his clients in 2014. The new owner focused on the growing 3D printing/additive manufacturing market. Ray stayed on working as a consultant until the new owner decided to close the doors in August of 2017. Not only did Ray find out he has cancer, but now he has lost his only source of income. Ray enjoys spending time with his daughter Marissa and his son Jonathan. In August of 2017, he married Sue, his sweetheart of nearly 11 years.