Finding the right team & moving fast
Jill immediately began researching treatment options, leading them to Medical Oncologist Dr. Ghada Kunter at Wellstar Cherokee Health Park in Holly Springs.
Even before David's first appointment, Dr. Kunter ordered a PET scan to better understand the extent of the cancer.
“Dr. Kunter was sympathetic and really discussed the situation with me and Jill,” said David. “She made us feel comfortable.”
Shortly thereafter, David saw Dr. Fiyin Sokoya. He is a dual board-certified head and neck cancer specialist and facial plastic surgeon.
“Everything was moving pretty quick,” David recalled. “Dr. Sokoya was so calming.”
The diagnosis was serious. David had aggressive squamous cell carcinoma that had invaded his jawbone. It required immediate treatment by a multidisciplinary team.
“Head and neck cancer treatment is not a one-doctor job,” Dr. Kunter said. “It’s a collaboration between the surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and many others.”
To start, David would need a partial mandibulectomy, a complex surgical procedure that removes the portion of the jaw affected by cancer and reconstructs it to restore function and appearance.
Surgery with a smile
In March of 2024, David underwent surgery at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center in Roswell.
During the procedure, Dr. Sokoya and the surgical team removed the cancerous portion of David’s jaw and rebuilt it using titanium and bone from his fibula—a bone in the lower leg. The surgery involved reconstructive techniques designed to help preserve facial movement and function.
“He took a nerve out of my leg and put it in my mouth so I can smile,” David said. “People look at me now and you can barely tell.”
Throughout his time in intensive care, he found himself surrounded by people who treated him with skill and compassion.
“I love every one of those gals and guys,” David said.
While managing pain and relearning how to walk and swallow, he maintained hope.
“There was always a party in my room,” he remembered. “I love listening to inspirational music. I had a smile on my face.”
Recovery, rehabilitation & resilience
After surgery, David returned home and began the demanding work of recovery, including 30 rounds of radiation with Dr. Olusola Obayomi-Davies, a radiation oncologist at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center in Marietta. He received in-home nursing care and participated in speech and physical therapy. Learning to eat, speak and regain strength required patience and persistence. David also continued follow-up monitoring visits with Dr. Kunter and Dr. Sokoya.
“The most important part of David’s care was the ability of his multiple specialists to coordinate,” Dr. Davies said. “Having everyone on the same track helps make sure the patient is at the center of their care.”
Learn more about expert care for people with head and neck cancer at Wellstar.
What's next for David
David’s story isn’t over yet. Read about David’s setback—and how he overcame it.
