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Douglas Gates Age: 60
Montreal, Quebec

Type of Cancer: Throat

About two months ago Doug went to see the doctor because he had a sore throat that would not go away. It turned out that Doug was diagnosed with throat cancer and has since had surgery to remove the tumour. He has had his larynx removed and currently is able to speak using a mechanical box.

Highlights: (Memorable moments, turning points, favourite memories)
Doug has an incredible attitude and was laughing in the hospital with all his family and friends. He is actually able to joke about his situation and has an unbelievably positive attitude. He has impressed his family and all his friends to heck. Doug lives alone and his friends and family have rallied around him with total support. He is looking forward to getting the laser treatments over with so he can get on with his life. We are hoping that this will happen sometime in late September. Once the treatments are over Doug should be able to travel to Boston to help his 95 year old aunt celebrate her birthday. He missed the part in early June due to his surgery.

Lowlights: (Moments of courage, digging deep within)
Doug was in the hospital with a tube in his nose for feeding which was very annoying to him. He lost a fair amount of weight and the surgery took a lot out of him. He was in the hospital for about 10 days and was then released. When he went home he discovered that water and food was leaking from his incision in his neck so he was rushed back into the hospital. Doug will have to be fed through his nose (as he was in the hospital) for at least another two weeks. After that Doug should be able to eat solid food. He will start his laser treatments at that time and they will last for 6 straight weeks of daily appointments. In the end Doug will be working with a speech therapist to try and use his own voice again. The prognosis is good but the journey will be long and slow.

Current Status:
Doug is now at home and doing well. Friends and family are taking turns staying with him until he gets over this first two weeks. After that Doug should be able to be on his own. He has a medical alert bracelet for his high blood pressure and has the mechanical voice box in case he needs to call 911. Doug is looking forward to being independent again.

Favourite Activity(s) now:
Watching action movies and reading. Once Doug is able to get out he will go back to his favourite hobby of fishing.