Sterling Burroughs

let’s pull together and make this process easier

for our friend and jokester sterling.

Below are his words and I hope they strike a

chord with you the way it did me.

We never know what life’s going to deal us.

As most of you know, I was diagnosed with Cancer in Jan 2018. It was in both tonsils, 80% of my soft pallet and in my lymph nodes. I was pronounced cancer free in early 2019 after lots of radiation & chemo. (I dropped from 220 down to 152 lbs in 6 weeks. Nasty stuff) Then the radiation caused necrosis in my throat. It went from the right side of my neck around my jugular vein and carotid artery, around the right side of my voice box and back to my spine. I lost 1/2 my voice box and I lost the ability to swallow. I sound like a cross between a duck and a frog on helium so there are no more Elvis impersonations, and

PLEASE…No redneck Chelsea, Alabama comments about me spitting in a cup please. That’s my joke. ‍♂️‍♂️

I had a trachea tube for almost a year. They put 1/2 my right pectoral muscle into my neck to fill the void left by the necrosis. I’ve been on a feeding tube since.

Unfortunately, now my cancer that wasn’t supposed to return has returned. It came back in my neck and the cancer they said wasn’t supposed to move has now moved to the other side of my neck and to my chest.

I always was an over achiever. ‍♂️

Prognosis isn’t great, 18 months - 3 years. BUT… I was chosen for an experimental drug trial along with doing immunotherapy. Their hope (and mine) is that I will be what’s called a Super Responder and it will go completely away. I am the first person at UAB or in Alabama to get this drug. So, If you see me with horns growing outta my head, mind ya bidness. It’s the experimental drug!! Not prep for the afterlife!! Despite what you may have heard!

All things considered, I feel ok. No pain or much discomfort beyond getting winded going up stairs and dancing. Talking while I dance is very hard so my students are much happier!!

And yes. I’ve got jokes. Whining and crying about ANYTHING won’t change it. And laughter does the heart good like medicine. If you know me, you know I have enjoyed life and I’ve lived it to its fullest. I plan to enjoy however much time I have left.

All your thoughts, prayers, and positive vibes are greatly appreciated.

Peace, love, laughter and happiness to you all.

Sterling

AKA Sterl

AKA Sterl The Pearl