Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Chief, Division of Head and Neck Radiation Oncology
Medical Director, Clinical Research
| Radiation Oncology |
I joined Fox Chase after completing my residency at the University of Florida in 2010. I specialize in treating cancers of the head and neck and skin cancer.
Cancer is a complicated, confusing diagnosis. Cancers of the head and neck are particularly challenging because they occur in areas that can affect our ability to perform some of our most basic functions: breathing, speaking, and eating.
I came to Fox Chase because I believe that the best way to cure these difficult cancers while maintaining quality of life is through a multi-disciplinary approach. Some cancers are cured with radiation alone, some need the assistance of both surgery and chemotherapy, and some are cured without radiation. The team approach at Fox Chase ensures that many different disciplines are working together to decide the best treatment for your unique case with one unifying goal: curing your cancer while avoiding unnecessary toxicity
A few days before leaving on my vacation in August, 2017, I noticed a loose tooth. My biggest worry was that maybe I had an abscess and it would ruin my trip.
When I got home, my dentist said I should have it pulled, so I went to an oral surgeon. The oral surgeon said, “I see something, so I’m going to do a biopsy.” I kind of knew right then that I had cancer.
I tell people if you are going on this journey, you should not compare yourself to anyone else. Every cancer is different, and every person’s situation is different.
At 31, Tierra Ryan was a young professional woman, working as a pharmacist and a medical writer for a large pharmaceutical company, when she was shocked to learn she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Fox Chase Cancer Center was one of two hospitals her doctor recommended. Tierra underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy at Fox Chase, and in November 2014 was placed on surveillance because her cancer was in remission. Today, she still works in the pharmaceutical industry, but as a medical science liaison focusing on oncology. "I’m truly thankful to the doctors and staff at Fox Chase because they saved my life," Tierra said. "Because of them, I have a long life ahead of me."
"I’m the kind of person who isn’t prone to panic. Panic just causes confusion. So, when what began as soreness on the right side of my throat turned out to be cancer, I remained calm and figured somebody can fix it."
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