After a freak workplace incident revealed a hidden tumor, one Cedar Rapids man faced head and neck cancer with determination—and a team behind him every step of the way.
Sullivan “Sully” Robertson of Cedar Rapids was operating a skid loader while working a construction job last spring when he drove over a curb and experienced a sudden jolt that set off a chain of life-changing events.
“When I drove over the curb, my head snapped back and I felt something in my neck,” recalled Robertson. “I went to my doctor, and she told me you need to get this checked out immediately.”
Robertson was referred to Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa (PCI) Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) where he met with otolaryngologist Ryan Dempewolf, MD, FACS. An exam and ultrasound revealed something serious—a peach-sized mass at the base of his tongue. Further testing confirmed squamous cell carcinoma that had metastasized to the lymph nodes.
“I was shocked,” said Robertson. “I hadn’t noticed any symptoms before that, and I really thought it was just an injury.”
A Coordinated Care Plan Takes Shape
From there, Robertson was referred to the Nassif Community Cancer Center where he was scheduled to meet with his care coordinator, Connie Dietiker, RN. A care coordinator is a patient’s constant point of contact throughout the cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
“I remember she was very thorough, and she had a lot of confidence in the doctors she recommended to me,” said Robertson. “She made me feel a lot better about going forward with everything.”
Dietiker scheduled Robertson to meet with William Fusselman, MD, medical oncologist with PCI Hematology and Oncology, and Jessica Parkhurst, MD, radiation oncologist with St. Luke’s Nassif Radiation Center. Drs. Fusselman and Parkhurst recommended concurrent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which Robertson began in mid-April and completed in early June.
When Eating Becomes a Challenge
As Robertson’s treatment progressed, even basic functions like eating and swallowing became nearly impossible. Because of this, a feeding tube was highly recommended—as they often are for patients undergoing treatment to the head and neck area. While some patients may be hesitant, this step is important for proper nutrition and healing.
“The feeding tube is something they told me I’d probably want,” said Robertson. “I wasn’t able to keep any foods down and I couldn’t swallow or produce saliva very well, so it was an instrumental part of my care.”
Patients on a feeding tube work closely with one of the Community Cancer Center’s oncology dietitians, who provide education, as well as coordination and weekly management of the feedings. For his care, Robertson worked with Beth Beckett, RD, CSO, LD.
“Feeding tubes play a big role in making sure head and neck patients get proper protein and nutrients,” said Beckett. “Thanks to Sully’s compliance and determination, he was able to transition off the feeding tube by the end of June—shortly after completing his treatment—which was a fantastic outcome.”
Finding Relief and Regaining Strength
During his treatment journey, Robertson also received support from St. Luke’s Palliative Care and PCI ENT’s speech therapy services.
“Speech therapy had a huge impact,” shared Robertson. “The tongue exercises they gave me made a real difference. If I hadn’t done them, I would’ve been in bad shape because it gave my tongue strength and worked the muscles necessary for me to swallow again.”
He credits palliative care for helping manage other tough side effects.
“Lisa [Mahoney, ARNP] with Palliative Care also helped me a lot along the way,” he said. “I couldn’t sleep at night because I was in pain and vomiting or coughing frequently. She prescribed me the proper medications to help. They were perfect.”
A ‘Tremendous’ Team and Support Every Step of the Way
As he looks back on his journey a year after ringing the bell, Robertson credits the many members of his multi-disciplinary team he crossed paths with for helping him through.
“Dr. Fusselman and his advice and confidence really gave me courage,” he said. “I’d also like to thank Mika [Westfall, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C], Lisa, Beth, Dr. Parkhurst and the entire chemo and radiation teams. I’m so thankful for all of them.”
In survivorship, Robertson has found support through a monthly support group hosted by a community partner of the Community Cancer Center, the I Know Jack Foundation.
“We meet one Wednesday a month for dinner. It helps to talk with people who truly understand what you’ve been through,” said Robertson. “They also have an online support group I’m a part of and we’re planning to get involved with some of their events in the near future.”
Visit the Dentist and Listen to Your Body
Robertson encourages those who read his story to be diligent about getting their dental exams, as that’s where screenings take place, but also to pay attention to their body because not all head and neck cancers may be caught in a dentist office.
“Going to the dentist is huge. Anyone who may have cancer in their mouth or on their tongue, would have it found that way,” he said. “My situation was a strange one though because it was deep in the throat. It wouldn’t have been found by a dentist, so you need to pay attention to symptoms and if you feel anything, get it checked out.”
FREE Head and Neck Screening Opportunity at the Community Cancer Center
The Nassif Community Cancer Center, along with Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa’s board-certified head and neck surgeons, will be offering FREE oral, head and neck cancer screenings on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at the Community Cancer Center.
Registration is required. Call (319) 558-4876 to reserve your spot.
Experienced Head and Neck Cancer Care
If you’ve been diagnosed with head and neck cancer, or any type of cancer, the Nassif Community Cancer Center is here for you. For more information about the Community Cancer Center and our extensive offering of support services, call (319) 558-4876 or visit communitycancercenter.org.
