The other month I became part of these statistics after I was diagnosed with HPV-positive squamous cell oropharyngeal cancer.

 

And soon, I expect to have a new title to my name - cancer survivor!

 

 

On August 30 I was about to jump into the shower following a 12 mile, 3,800’ elevation gain trail run/hike when I noticed a lump on my right lymph node. Dr. Google said high levels of exertion could cause lymph nodes to swell and to wait a couple weeks before contacting a doctor. I waited just a week before seeing my primary.

 

An ultrasound was set up which led to a CT scan and biopsy at the end of September which then confirmed I had cancer. The tumor in my neck was a secondary cancer, and even after a PET scan, the primary could not be found.

 

 

On November 11 I had my right tonsil removed along with a biopsy of the back of my tongue and back of nose. The primary was found and successfully removed, hiding in that tonsil and just about ready to move on and spread from there.

 

On December 8 I begin 7 weeks of radiation and a low dose of chemo. My prognosis is at least a 90-95% chance I’ll soon be cancer free and remain that way. But, there is some hell to go through first with these upcoming treatments.

 

 

Because this cancer is exploding and most people - including myself and most men my age - have never heard of it. Because I want to raise awareness that could literally save lives. And because I'm going to document this entire journey to show what this cancer treatment really looks like.

 

 

 

The critical part: Many people, like me, have NO symptoms except the neck lump. I continue to feel fine, and was even setting personal records in the 5k and 10k just last month. If you notice a lump on your neck that's still there after 2-3 weeks, get it checked immediately. Don't wait "to see if it goes away." Don't wait 6 months. Get it checked now.

 

 

This cancer is highly treatable when caught early. My prognosis is excellent and all things considered couldn’t be much better - we caught it at a very treatable stage. And here's something even more important: this cancer is preventable. There are FDA-approved methods to prevent HPV infection entirely, which means preventing this cancer before it ever starts. If you have kids or grandkids (ages 9-26 is the recommended window), talk to their doctor about HPV prevention options. This is one of the few cancers we can actually prevent.

 

 

I'm approaching this treatment the same way I approach my races - with preparation, strategy, the right mindset, and determined execution. I'm going into treatment in peak physical condition. My team at my hospital and my local (and far away) support group is exceptional - they've been incredible through this entire process. I’ll be documenting the entire journey here and on Instagram Stories (follow me at @mattsuessphoto)

 

 

First, because awareness saves lives. If my story gets even one person to check out a lump they've been ignoring, or even one parent to talk to their doctor about HPV prevention for their kids, then sharing all of this publicly is absolutely worth it.

 

Second, because showing the reality of treatment - not just the Instagram-worthy moments but the actual difficult parts - helps others going through it feel less alone.

 

Third, because silence doesn't help anyone. The more we talk openly about cancer, the less scary it becomes and the more we learn from each other. Cancer happens - even to those of us like myself who are in peak fitness with perfect bloodwork prior to my diagnosis. It's happening right now to people you know who haven't told you yet. Let's normalize talking about it honestly.

 

I'm not looking for sympathy. I'm looking to be useful. To raise awareness. To document truth. To show that you can face hard things with preparation and purpose. And to come out the other side of this ready to get back on the trails by late winter or early spring.

 

 

My diagnosis was a shock. But I'm treating it as a challenge to overcome, a story to document, and an opportunity to raise awareness that could help others - maybe even you. I’m going to overcome this, and hopefully help others along the way. Let’s do this!

 

P.S. - If you know someone who should read this, please share it with them. And if you have questions about warning signs, symptoms, or anything else, ask. I'm learning as I go and happy to share what I'm finding out. Early detection saves lives.