Cancer survivor summits highest point in contiguous U.S.
I started mountaineering during my time in the Air Force in my 20s. I love being outdoors and going places that most people aren’t able to. I drifted a bit from mountaineering after getting married, starting a corporate job and having my two kiddos. But after my son graduated high school, we climbed Grand Teton together, which re-sparked my love for mountaineering.
In March 2023, I attempted to summit Mount Whitney – the highest...

12 things to know about tonsil cancer
Most people will experience swollen tonsils at some point in their lives. But how do you know if yours are due to a common cold, strep throat...
Tonsil cancer survivor travels from New York to Houston for treatment
My personal goal has always been to run the New York City Marathon. As New York residents, my family and I have volunteered at the event for...
Managing voice and speech side effects after oropharyngeal cancer treatment
Oropharyngeal cancer includes cancers of the tonsils, base of the tongue and other parts of the throat. It’s usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). People who have successfully completed treatment for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer often have a good prognosis and are able to return to their daily lives.
But survivors may go on to develop voice and speech symptoms years after treatment. Moderate to severe voice symptoms...

Tonsil cancer survivor: 'MD Anderson will always be a part of me'
When Tim Hardesty walks the MD Anderson skybridge in short sleeves, he’s frequently stopped by employees and patients alike who notice the...
Robotic surgery, compassion ease patient’s tonsil cancer recovery
After Tony Loth was diagnosed with tonsil cancer, a local specialist told him the best course of action was a radical neck dissection. He...
Dysphagia in cancer patients: What to know
The ability to swallow — or to eat and drink what you enjoy most without choking or coughing — is something that many of us take for granted...
5 lessons I learned during tonsil cancer treatment
MD Anderson is a very humbling place. When I was there for my tonsil cancer treatments in late 2016 and early 2017, I’d always see someone...
Why I support the HPV vaccine after my tonsil cancer treatment
When an ear, nose and throat doctor confirmed that I had tonsil cancer in October 2016, it came as something of a relief. I know that probably...
Best of Cancerwise 2017: 10 of our most-read patient stories of hope
In 2017, dozens of our cancer patients shared the stories of their diagnosis, treatment and life after cancer here on Cancerwise. As they...