Craig Luster

Cancer is a horrible disease! For the third time since Craig was first diagnosed, he is battling  this life changing disease. In November 2015 Craig was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (throat cancer) for the first time. He had to undergo chemo and radiation and was blessed that the cancer was in remission for almost 3 years. Almost 3 years to the date of his first diagnosis, we received the news that his cancer had returned. Because of the damage the radiation had already done to the tissue his doctor recommended surgery this time. On January 8, 2019 he had a total laryngectomy - his voice box was completely removed . The doctors were unable to get all of the cancer and Craig had to undergo chemo and radiation again which did even more damage to the tissue. Because of complications from the surgery Craig  has not been able to speak since the day of his surgery and he has also had to have all of his nutrition through a feeding tube because he is not able to swallow food.  After a long-term treatment of IV antibiotics to clear an infection in the collar bone and chest wall, Craig was cleared to have surgery to repair/reconstruct his throat so he would hopefully be able to start speech therapy and be able to eat again when he recovered . He went into surgery on January 24, 2020 and was only in the operating room for a short time when his doctor came out to talk to us. Dr. Green told us he did a biopsy before beginning the surgery and it showed the cancer is back for the 3rd time! They were unable to proceed with the surgery.  Right now chemo is Craig's only option. This time they are using two types of  chemo drugs and it is a lot stronger than what was used the other two times- it is definitely hitting him hard.  He is still having to travel to Birmingham treatments and doctor appointments. Craig has always been one of the hardest working men you will ever meet. He has not been able to work for quite a while now and the hospital bills, doctor bills, continued treatment, and nutrition costs are overwhelming! Right now his focus needs to be on taking care of himself and not having to worry about everything else. Please donate if you are able and please keep Craig in your prayers!!