Barry Warner didn’t think it was anything to worry about first. A little pain in his jaw and his appetite wasn’t what it used to be. But when he realized he physically couldn’t take a bite of a cheeseburger one day, he knew it was something more than nothing.
The diagnosis was advanced stage throat cancer. He began doing his research on the disease and treatment options and reached out to the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, where he met with oncologist Dr. Susanne Arnold.
Because of the location of the cancer, surgery was not an option, so he started on a protocol of chemotherapy infusions and 35 radiation treatments.
He was given a 50-percent chance of survival and had to follow the protocol to the letter.
“He diligently followed all the instructions, Dr. Mahesh Kudrimoti, oncologist with the UK Markey Cancer Center told KY Forward. “He had a very positive attitude, was eager to learn about his treatments and was a fighter.”
Thanks to the life-changing treatment options being carried out by the experts at the UK Markey Cancer Center, Warner is planning to walk both of his daughters down the isle in the future.
“Getting diagnosed with cancer was probably one of the best things that happened to me, and I am not the same person I was before,” said Warner. “So, I made myself a promise that if I survived, I would do my best to give back and help to make a difference.”
Read more at KY Forward.