Earlier this year I stopped being able to breathe through my nose. After a visit to a local ENT and a CT scan, I was shown to have a large mass growing within my right sinus. After a surgery on March 24, the mass was removed and sent to a pathologist.

On March 31, during my follow up appointment, I learned that I had been diagnosed with a rare and deadly cancer called Esthesioneuroblastoma. It is a cancer that begins in the olfactory nerves, hourglassing up toward the brain and down through the sinus, eventually reaching the chest organs.

Being such an extreme cancer, my case was presented and discussed within a large panel of cancer doctors to determine the stage, the treatment plan, and the team to carry out the treatment.

That next month and a half was the hardest of my life. Not only was learning I had cancer extremely difficult, but we were kept in the dark during much of this time while the doctors worked; yet, I would receive instructions to undergo further testing and imaging.

Eventually a decision was made that a quick and aggressive surgery should take place, in hopes to remove all tumor before additional spreading or metastasis. Time was ticking and we needed to make a decision. I opted for surgery on May 20, and thankfully I did.

The cancer was progressed further than expected and more work was required. My right nasal cavity was entirely gutted. A portion of my skull, known as the cribriform plate, and associated dura mater was removed. The doctors continued to follow the cancer removing my olfactory bulb and all tumor expanding up and around my brain.

It was a very intense surgery and recovery has not been easy. Despite the challenges, I am a fighter and I intend to make a full recovery. I still have a ways to go, but my spirits are high and I am confident moving forward.

For further details, read my full story and follow me on the updates page!