I had an appointment for a sinus infection. Nurse Practitioner Tricia Johnson was very thorough, professional, and personable. After the exam, she asked if there was anything else I needed to address and I mentioned a bump in my neck. She asked how long had it been there and if I ever had a biopsy. I said probably a year and no biopsy. My previous testing had concluded it was a swollen gland and the recommendation was to keep an eye on it for pain and growth. She said she would recommend a biopsy.

Within days I was contacted by head and neck. The biopsy report came back positive for cancer cells and further testing began. I had surgery to remove my tonsils with a small cancer tumor, and lymph nodes on the left side of my neck. It was rather serious, evasive, and painful.

I received a call from Dr. M, the surgeon, to inform me that he had received the pathology report post-surgery and no chemotherapy or radiation was needed, he said it was one of the best reports he’d ever seen.

If it wasn’t for NP Johnson, I probably would still have the tumor in my throat and lymph nodes. Her recommendation, with certainty, changed and saved my life. I am extremely grateful to her. I went personally to thank her at Target Kaiser Clinic in Mission Valley and she had been transferred to another clinic. She is a wonderful nurse and definitely worthy of recognition for her outstanding efforts.