Last night I told you I was nervous. Today I can finally exhale.
My January 13, 2026 CT scan shows stable metastatic disease.
If you’ve been following my story, you know what those words mean. You know I’ve been fighting this battle for four years now. You know about the 70 radiation treatments, the 20 chemotherapy infusions, the five hour surgery where three surgeons cut into my neck. You know that despite all of it, on my 25th wedding anniversary, June 3rd, 2025, I sat across from my doctor and heard the words no one wants to hear: metastatic. Stage 4.
That was supposed to be the end of my story. It wasn’t.
I refused to be a passive patient anymore. I became the project manager of my own survival. I threw out the foods that were feeding the disease and committed to a carnivore diet. I added high dose IV vitamin C. I researched repurposed medications and targeted supplements. I tracked my vitamin D, my magnesium, my zinc, my immune markers. I documented every scan, every lab, every adjustment. Thirty years of managing complex systems, and now the most important system I’ve ever managed is my own body.
September brought a 50% reduction in my tumors. December brought news that two lung nodules had become undetectable.
And today? Today I got to read the word “stable.” My tracked nodules have not grown. The changes in my lungs appear to be inflammatory or treatment-related, not cancer progression.
In the world of stage 4 cancer, stable is victory. Stable means more time.
More time with my wife of 25 years. More time with my adult sons. More time to share what I’ve learned so that others facing this monster don’t have to feel as alone as I once did.
I’ve documented everything in a 400 page manuscript that I believe is the first of its kind. Every decision. Every result. Every lesson. This blog is where I share all of it: the medical details, the emotions, the fears, the small victories, and the faith that keeps me going.
If you’re walking a similar road or caring for someone who is, I hope my journey helps you find your way too. You can start with Chapter 1 of my memoir, Still Here: How Faith, Food, and Family Beat Stage Four Cancer. https://waynescancerjourney.com/chapter-1-when-cancer-comes-back/
But I’m not done fighting, and I still need you.
My disability benefits don’t begin until February. The treatments that are keeping me alive don’t wait for paperwork. Every IV infusion, every supplement, every appointment chips away at resources we don’t have.
Here’s how you can stand with me:
Leave a comment on my blog and let me know you’re in my corner: WaynesCancerJourney.com
Say a prayer for my family and me. I believe in the power of prayer, and I feel it.
If you’re able, make a donation to help me afford my next treatment: https://gofund.me/85e855e3
Stage 4. Still here. Still fighting.
And grateful for every single one of you.
Wayne
So awesome to hear you are doing great Wayne! Praying for your continued Healing! I wish I could donate but unfortunately I’m in almost the same boat as you are.
I’m on second dance with cancer in my neck lymph node.
First time around 10 months after I almost my 26 yr old Son unexpectedly 😥 I woke up with hard swollen neck nose which led to Right side tonsil cancer Mets to neck nodes same side. My heart body mind and spirit broke down when I lost my Boy 😥🙏🏻😥 and then a lot of stress after that with Doctors.
I chose to do surgery, Tors and neck dissection I turned down radiation for a number of reasons.
Now I’m in the biggest quandary of my life trying to decide to what do. Keytruda was mentioned for 2-3 infusions to see if it shrinks the giant lymph node I have sticking out of my neck and it also freaks me out to try it with all of the awful and horrific side effects and yes I’ve read good too but wow the bad is bad. And well you know all about radiation and chemo so that’s another thing to freak out about. Surgery again this time will lead to my spinal accessory nerve to my shoulder being sacrificed.
Long story…but I need to wait until May to start this nightmare and still not sure if I should try Keytruda for 1/3 infusions in the meantime but need to be very healthy for an the upcoming event of my Daughter’s marriage out of the country in April🙏🏻 wishing you the Best possible with all of this Wayne, thank you for sharing your journey with all of us 🙏🏻
Wayne, you are an inspiration. I’m in awe over your persistence and never back down attitude. Cancer has and continues to be impacting way too many people in my circle. Some losing. Some lost. But several like you fighting and winning. Keep up the fight my friend. #SKOL
Thank you for the kind words and for taking the time to read and comment. It means more than you know.
I am sorry for the losses in your circle. Cancer takes too much from too many. Every name represents a life, a family, a story that mattered. I carry those stories with me, and they fuel my fight.
To those in your life who are still battling, tell them to keep going. Tell them there are options beyond what they may have been told. Tell them they are not alone.
I am grateful to still be here, still fighting, and still sharing what I have learned along the way. Your support is part of what keeps me moving forward.
SKOL, my friend.
Wayne