The music almost stopped for drummer Dennis Durrett-Smith when one day he discovered a small lump on his neck.

It was September 2003, and Durrett-Smith was working at what he enjoyed, playing music.  He was house drummer at Libby’s Cabaret, a popular dinner club in Atlanta.  Life was good, but it was about to take an unexpected turn.

Earlier in the summer, Durrett-Smith had noticed a small lump on the right side of his neck but thought nothing of it.  He also had been experiencing fatigue for several months but attributed it to his demanding work schedule, and at the time, aged 51, as one of the natural effects of aging. 

By September, Durrett-Smith noticed that the lump had grown slightly larger in size and mentioned it to his wife Chick, who urged him to seek medical attention. She remembers, “When he showed me the lump on his neck, I asked him if he felt bad or whether it hurt and he said, ‘no.’  It worried me, though, and I told him that we needed to get him to a doctor. Initially, Dennis was somewhat reluctant to go because the lump wasn’t bothering him, but I told him that it was bothering me.” 

Over the next month, seeing several doctors, Durrett-Smith underwent a series of needle biopsies and a CT scan of his lymph nodes before he and his wife finally found themselves sitting in the ENT specialist’s office awaiting the diagnosis. Although they were nervous and concerned, the Durrett-Smiths never believed that the lump could be anything serious. Family and friends had told them not to worry – that it was probably nothing more than a case of “Cat Scratch Fever,” a bacterial disease of which swollen lymph nodes and fatigue are two of the presenting symptoms.  When the couple received the diagnosis that Durrett-Smith had Stage IV squamous cell carcinoma, they were shaken. 

Squamous cell carcinoma refers to the thin, flat cells found in the epithelial tissue that have become cancerous.  Epithelial tissue lines the internal (e.g. mucus membranes and organs) and external (e.g. skin) surfaces of the body, and epithelial cells are responsible for a number of specialized functions involving processes of protection, secretion, and absorption. 

After the detection of cancer in his lymph nodes and the initial diagnosis, Durrett-Smith had further biopsies at a local hospital where it was determined that the primary tumor was located at the base of his tongue.  He was told that he had a very aggressive case of cancer and would need immediate treatment. 

It was difficult at first for Durrett-Smith to understand his diagnosis. He says, “I had no family history of it. I did not smoke or drink. I ate right. I had a healthy lifestyle. We didn’t even think cancer could be a possibility.  We were stunned because of the magnitude of the news.”  His wife agrees, “When the doctor came in, opened the folder, and told us what Dennis had, my heart dropped.  Here is this vital man who is full of energy and has been a health nut his entire life and he’s just been diagnosed with cancer.  When we heard the diagnosis, it was devastating.” 

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be an estimated 29,370 newly diagnosed cancer cases of the oral cavity/pharynx and 9,880 of the larynx in the United States this year.  Additionally, there will be approximately more than 10,000 deaths from both cancer sites combined.  

Knowing a difficult battle lay ahead, Durrett-Smith says the predominant thought in his mind that day when he received his diagnosis was of his wife and their teenage son Ben.  He knew that he had to be strong more so for them rather than for himself.  

The couple did extensive research on available treatments and cancer centers before Durrett-Smith began therapy.  They wanted to ensure that he received the quality care and the best chance of survival.  As he and his wife searched the internet and talked to specialists both inside and outside of the country, this time posed a considerable challenge for Durrett-Smith.  He says, “There was a big question mark looming, and that was the hardest time for me.  We didn’t know what was going to happen. However, once my wife and I decided Emory Winship Cancer Institute was where we needed to go, I breathed a sigh of relief because we had chosen a place and I could begin treatment.”

At Winship, Durrett-Smith’s multidisciplinary healthcare team included medical oncologist Fadlo Khuri, MD, radiation oncologist Lawrence Davis, MD, radiation oncologist Peter Johnstone, MD, MA, otolaryngologist Amy Chen, MD, MPH, and nurse practitioner Joan Giblin, MSN.  Although they initially experienced some trepidation about undergoing treatment, Durrett-Smith says that he and his wife felt encouraged when they were told that there was a very good success rate for treating his cancer type.  His treatment program, which began in early December, was combination of chemotherapy and radiation administered over a 7 week period. 

During the first weeks of treatment, Durrett-Smith continued playing shows at the dinner club, pushing himself even though it was taxing on his body.  He felt that he had to keep working because he was concerned about his family’s financial well-being.  After his wife asked him to stop, telling him that he needed his energy to get well, Durrett-Smith finally lay down his drumsticks.   He says, “It was hard because it is one of the primary means by which I support my family. However, you learn that you have to put some things on the shelf and focus on doing what you need to do to get well.  Then, you can get back to the business of life.” He adds, “I would advise anyone undergoing cancer treatment that if there’s ever a time to be kind to yourself, it’s then.” 

As Durrett-Smith began intensive treatment, he had to have a feeding tube inserted because at one point he was unable to swallow.  He also experienced bouts of nausea and fatigue.  Finding support from his family, friends and church, he says that their love and prayers for him was what helped him through the difficult physical and emotional episodes during his treatment.  

In addition, he expresses his appreciation and fondness for his Winship healthcare team. “They are just an incredible medical team; everyone was so positive.  I got to know everyone really well. The people who work at Winship are wonderful.”  Laughing, he jokingly adds, “Put a sandwich board ad on me, and I would happily stand out there on Clifton Road and tell everyone to come to Winship!”

For Durrett-Smith it has been a long journey toward healing.  On February 3, 2004, he completed treatment, celebrating the day by calling it his graduation day and wearing his high school graduation gown on this final treatment visit.  Almost a year and a half later, he is now close to the two-year mark and the chances that he is cured of this cancer improve with time. As he awaits this significant milestone, he has radiological studies, examinations and blood work every three months to ensure that the cancer has not returned.

While he says that he periodically experiences dry mouth and fatigue, he feels these side effects are minute in the grand scheme of things.   He believes that he has learned an invaluable life lesson from his experience and says, “Certainly we all should learn that when something like this happens, we have things to share with other people. When you have suffered, there is a part of you that is awakened. You gain empathy, and I think you become bolder about sharing and helping others going through something difficult.  You can reach out to them, and this is a result of what happens when tragedies, diseases, and challenges come to us.  Not only do you learn how to handle your particular problem, but then you learn how to help others through whatever hardships they’re experiencing.”

Today the beat goes on for Durrett-Smith – he is enjoying life and is back behind his drum kit as a member of the orchestra for a popular Atlanta musical production at the 14th Street Playhouse.  A true survivor, he says, “Life goes on, and that’s just the way it is.”

Common warning signs of head and neck cancer include difficulty or pain when swallowing, sore throat, ear pain, change in voice, bleeding in the mouth, a sore or swelling in the mouth or tongue, and a lump located in the neck or throat.  Preventive screenings promote early detection and treatment of cancer, which can increase the chance of survival. People who are experiencing symptoms are strongly encouraged to see a healthcare provider immediately.

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