April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. We are sharing the story of Paul Dubé, a survivor of such a type of cancer. His story originally appeared in the February 2025 issue of “News from SPOHNC.” Published by Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) – www.spohnc.org.
My name is Paul and I’m proud to be a cancer survivor in remission. My ongoing daily reminders are referred to as “symptoms management.” Let me explain.
Following a series of visits to different doctors in January 2016, I was given two biopsies, the last one confirming my Stage 4 throat cancer. This was a shock to me and my family, as no one had previously been diagnosed with cancer.
I met with my team of specialists, listened to the pros and cons, the risks and rewards, and off I went.
After being fitted with a molded face mask, I endured 8 sessions of chemotherapy and 30 rounds of radiation to my head and neck area over the span of 8 weeks, some days experiencing both treatments the same day.
At home, I lived on the couch with my dog, and a wonderful support cast who reminded me to take care of myself and they would look after the rest.
There were very few good days during the span of 5 months it took to treat the tumor. I was also having great difficulty eating and swallowing foods and liquids, so they opted to insert a feeding peg into my stomach to get my nutrition. Although not painful, it was very uncomfortable.
My last treatment was on June 14, 2016. That day I left the hospital with a red rose and the thought of putting this whole ordeal behind me. I had won the round, but not the fight!
As I mentioned, I was aware of the possible consequences. I had lost my sense of smell and taste early on in the treatments, only to be told this was “normal.” Days followed by months went on without any of my senses coming back.
Doctors reassured me this was normal, and to give it some time, as all patients react differently. To be honest, living without two of my senses started to take its toll on me physically and mentally, but I kept a glimmer of hope that this would all be over any day.
Living without two of my senses started to take its toll on me physically and mentally, but I kept a glimmer of hope that this would all be over any day.
As I referred earlier on about symptom management, let’s fast forward to today, almost 7 years later, and I’m still living without any of my smell or taste. Some would say that I am lucky to be alive, and depending on the day, I may or may not agree with that statement.
Not very many of us are like this, but fortunately, there are support groups throughout North America to help. I decided to go back to work, which was very good therapy.
It was after attending a local cancer club meeting that a light went on and I decided to get involved and help others who might benefit from my experience.
My first official volunteer job was as a facilitator at our local Men’s cancer club. This led to peer mentoring over the phone. I currently work full time, facilitate the Men’s club, and have upwards of 6 patients whom I speak to weekly.
I expect to start a new challenge as a cancer ambassador with another association, all the while taking palliative care courses. I have had the pleasure of working on Podcasts and YouTube, all about cancer and mental health. I have a great passion to share and help others deal with cancer.
Thank you.
Paul Dube is the facilitator of Hope & Cope’s Men’s Club. If you are a man aged 40 and above, living with cancer, and would like support, contact us. You don’t have to face cancer alone. We can help.
