“I had always been able to handle the physical demands of my jobs and hobbies, but over the years, I started to experience some annoying symptoms: coughing, acid reflux, and weird sensations in my throat. I saw many doctors to try to get my symptoms under control and figure out what was causing them. I started feeling tired and had trouble chewing food as well, but no one could tell me what the exact problem was.

I went to a trusted ear, nose, and throat doctor. He sent me for an MRI, and when the results came back, I was surprised to learn I had stage IV squamous cell carcinoma, a type of head and neck cancer.

My care plan involved seven weeks of treatment. I was scheduled to receive chemotherapy once a week and radiation five days a week.

Unfortunately, I had a really tough time during these treatments and experienced a lot of side effects. I had brain fog, high levels of pain, and trouble eating (which made it difficult to keep weight on).

My mantra during my treatment was “kick it like a boss.” I knew I was not ready to die, and no matter how rough it got, I was determined to fight. I was still in treatment on my birthday, and my friend got me a birthday cake with “kick it like a boss” written on top! I loved it, but I couldn’t eat it at the time. Instead, I froze it to enjoy when I finished my treatments and started feeling better.

I tell people if you are going on this journey, you should not compare yourself to anyone else. Every cancer is different, and every person’s situation is different. Whatever you are facing, try to kick it like a boss!”

Full story ➡️ https://www.foxchase.org/patient-stories/linda-rathbun