Dan Flagler, Tonsil Cancer

Dan Flagler had just begun retirement. He spent his time doing what he loves – working on his boat and sailing often. Life was good. He also enjoyed traveling, especially to Scotland with his wife to visit his daughter who lives there.

Until one day, his life was suddenly interrupted. He was told he had squamous cell cancer of the tonsil at the age of 57.

Here is what happened: Upon returning from a trip to Scotland, a COVID test left him with a soreness in his throat that he hadn’t experienced before. During a routine dental appointment, he mentioned the persistence of the soreness to his dentist that suggested he get it checked out. His primary care physician initially treated with antibiotics but also referred him to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, where he later underwent a biopsy that confirmed the cancer diagnosis. This news not only affected him, but it also shook his family. The fact that his cancer was curable made it an easier conversation to have, but cancer is still terrifying when it’s affecting you or someone you love. After his diagnosis, he felt optimistic about his cancer journey with how his case manager at Maryland Oncology Hematology in Annapolis (MOH) was determined to find him the best care across different medical groups. For further evaluation and treatment options, he was referred to Kyle Hatten, MD at the University of Maryland Medical Center who recommended proton radiation and chemotherapy over surgery due to the cancer’s proximity to the jaw.

Faced with the choice to undergo traditional photon radiation or protons, Dan opted for proton therapy at the Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC) due to the reduced risk of side effects and it was covered by his insurance. At MPTC, his doctor reassured him the cancer was curable and that comforted him going into treatment.

Dan was facing 33 sessions over 40 days which was a lot. However, getting to see the set up at MPTC and the fact that the center was conveniently located near his home and offered free valet parking, it was a no brainer. Every step of the way, he was further and further impressed by the Center, especially the fact that MPTC had been treating with protons longer than any other center in the region.

The cancer diagnosis was incredibly challenging, but Dan gives credit to those around him that helped him get to the other side. His wife, who worked an extra year before retirement to support their family after the diagnosis, was by his side the entire time. The support he received from family and friends was exactly what he needed. From the therapists to the nurses, and the concierge team – Dan says he can’t speak highly enough about the staff at MPTC. The professionalism and care of the treatment team was outstanding, including his ancillary treatments like speech and swallowing therapy and follow-up care from the nurse practitioner Kat Steacy. His interactions with other patients while he was going through treatment was also impactful.

With his cancer journey behind him, Dan is back to working on his boat and sailing. Despite his bout with cancer, he and his wife were able to do everything that they had hoped for in retirement, including traveling. Their lives were impacted as minimally as possible by his cancer diagnosis and treatment. He now has a deeper respect for how important health is, living in a place where advanced healthcare services are nearby, and having quality health insurance.

Now that his cancer journey is behind him, Dan reflects on the lessons learned from his experience and the importance of staying healthy, having a positive attitude, and support from family and friends. Post-treatment, he has maintained a healthy lifestyle and continues regular follow-ups with both his surgical team and proton team. He expresses gratitude for the support and care he received from the medical teams at MPTC and MOH. Dan recently returned to MPTC for the Annual Alumni Reunion where past patients get to come back to the center and fellowship with others who have faced a similar journey. As well as reconnect with some of the staff that helped them fight cancer. He expresses his appreciation for the opportunity to share his story and the impact it has had on his life.