Esper Lee knows early detection is essential
PROFILE OF A SURVIVOR
By Cathy Lanae

Esper Lee began his battle with cancer in August of 2007.

Life was good for Esper Lee last August. Lee had been enjoying a well-deserved retirement from the Georgia and South Carolina school systems since 2003. He had been a vital staff member of the Washington Wilkes Comprehensive High School until 1999 and then continued to teach in South Carolina until 2003. After retiring, his days were spent farming his seventy acres in corn, soybeans, wheat and watermelons and enjoying his grandchildren. A dedicated educator, he spent many hours tutoring the students of Washington-Wilkes.

So life was good. But in early August 2007, Lee noticed a change in his voice, a hoarseness that did not go away. He knew something was not right, he said. He did not have the normal symptoms of a cold or sore throat, and when he cleared his throat, the hoarseness just returned. Alarmed, he scheduled an appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialist. After a thorough examination, his physician determined that he did not have obvious throat irritation or laryngitis. The physician moved swiftly to schedule a series of tests. A scan identified a tumor cell on the vocal chords. A biopsy was done. His diagnosis: cancer of the vocal chords, stage 1.5.

On August 30, just two days after his diagnosis, Lee underwent surgery to remove the growth. He knew there was a possibility he could lose his voice. The surgery was followed by a treatment program of six weeks of radiation. He took omeprazole for acid refluxwhich is a common side effect of radiation treatments. As he progressed through his treatments, Lee did lose his voice and his energy. Although always positive and optimistic, there was an uncertainty to which he was unaccustomed.

Now, after several months of rest and recovery from the surgery and the radiation, Lee feels good. Monitored monthly, he has received three clear checkups. He tells me he looks forward to reaching the five-year mark when he will hear the words "cancer cured."

The year 2008 brings renewed hope for Lee and his family. He is upbeat. And he is busy planting his summer garden. His wife Bessie, children Damenica, Divenski, and Deleki have all offered the love, strength and support required by those facing cancer. And, of course, his six grandchildren are the joy of his life.

Lee feels early detection was essential to his successful treatment. He encourages everyone to pay close attention to body and health changes. If anything seems abnormal or changes abruptly, contact your doctor. Do not wait!

Studies indicate that vocal chord cancers strike more men than women. It is commonly associated with the use of tobacco products and is diagnosed later in life. For more information on cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at cancer. org.

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