Craig Haden
For those in Wilbur, Washington, Craig Haden is a hero. Surprisingly it’s not all attributed to what he’s accomplished in his career as a volunteer fire chief and respected farmer. It’s because he fought a long battle with cancer and now is a survivor living life to its fullest.
Not Just Another Cold
In summer 2006, Craig began feeling ill with a sore throat and cold. His diagnosis came back insignificant; it was a cold or laryngitis, at worst. When antibiotics didn’t clear up his persistent sore throat, his doctor diagnosed him with acid reflux. Another round of medicine was prescribed and when that still didn’t cure his symptoms, he went for a third opinion from an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor in Spokane Valley.
While examining Haden’s mouth and throat, the doctor found several red nodules on his vocal cords. His mother had been treated for similar nodules years ago and fortunately they were benign. He was hopeful that his would be benign too. To ensure the nodules weren’t cancerous, a biopsy was taken.
The Diagnosis
After polishing off a plateful of all-you-can-eat pancakes with a friend, Craig went to his follow-up appointment at the ENT Center a week later. His doctor informed him that the biopsy came back positive for cancer. Craig was in complete shock.
His doctor referred him to Cancer Care Northwest and within one week, he had his first appointment set with Dr. Kaya, a medical oncologist at CCNW’s South office.
“He was just wonderful,” Craig said. “He was very helpful during our first appointment, answering every question I had with no hesitation. He wanted to make sure that I was getting the best treatment available.”
Dr. Kaya recommended that Craig go through chemotherapy followed by intense radiation to remove the tumor. Craig then met Dr. Lee, a CCNW radiation oncologist, who showed him images of the cancer on his vocal cords. He explained that the tumor was at stage III.
Treatment Begins
As radiation and chemotherapy treatments began, so did Haden’s relationship blossom with CCNW physicians and staff.
“The entire staff at Cancer Care Northwest was so amazing. I always felt like I was in good hands and being cared for like I was their only patient. Before any treatment began, they walked me through what was going to happen and possible side effects. Every ache and pain I had was cared for and every question was answered. It made the healing process that much easier.”
Even when he became exceptionally ill during treatment, it was his “chemo girls” and other CCNW staff that kept him going.
Craig added, “I was like a brother to them and they took exceptional care of me.”
Despite his new friendships with staff, he still had an exceptionally tough road ahead. One of the painful side effects of treatment involved his throat having trouble opening which limited his ability to keep food down. He also felt fatigued and lethargic.
Fortunately, his wife, Sherene, was with him during every stage of his cancer treatment. Over the next eight weeks, Sherene drove him to the South Office daily to receive radiation. Her presence was more than a comfort to Craig. She selflessly put her job on hold for five months to care for him; she drove him to all of his appointments; she listened to his doctor and nurses and asked questions when he couldn’t.
Craig thinks anyone going through cancer treatment should have someone by their side if possible.
“There were days I felt like I couldn’t make it and Sherene was my lifesaver. She was my second set of ears and my motivation to keep moving forward. I am so thankful for how much she supported and cared for me.”
Starting Survivorship
During his treatment and recovery, the Wilbur community rallied together for Craig. From first graders to the fire department, everyone pitched in, hosting fundraisers to help offset the cost of treatment.
“The community was the best support team and I couldn’t have done it without them,” Craig said. “Not only were the donations helpful for our bills and gas mileage, but the amount of support from both Wilbur and Cancer Care Northwest was my best medicine.”
Craig has been in remission for three years. At his most recent check up, he asked Dr. Lee what his original chances at beating his cancer were back in 2007, when he was first diagnosed.
“He told me I had a 50/50 chance. It’s because of CCNW that I am here today and I am able to live my life to the fullest.”