When Curtis Whittington first noticed a stiff neck and lingering ear pain, he didn’t think much of it. Like many who’ve spent a lifetime working with their hands, the High Point retiree pushed through the discomfort, assuming it was something minor. But what seemed like routine aches would eventually lead to a life-changing diagnosis and a powerful story of resilience to share during Cancer Survivorship Month.
Curtis, a retired electrician of 46 years, had always been active, independent and rarely in a doctor’s office. Even as symptoms persisted, he delayed seeking care. It wasn’t until a dentist ruled out a suspected tooth issue and urged him to get checked that things escalated. A visit to urgent care quickly turned serious, leading to an emergency room referral and a diagnosis of advanced head, neck and throat cancer that had also eventually spread to his lungs.
The road through treatment was anything but easy.
Curtis experienced severe side effects, including extreme fatigue, weight loss and painful infections that made it difficult to eat, move and function day to day. At his lowest point, both physically and emotionally, he decided he no longer wished to receive treatment
That’s when his care team at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist stepped in.
“They didn’t give up on me,” Curtis recalls. “They called me, told me I needed to come back, and they meant it.”
His physicians and care team quickly identified complications that were worsening his condition and adjusted his care plan. Just as importantly, they provided something equally critical: compassion, encouragement and a sense that he wasn’t alone.
“They treated me like family,” Curtis says. “From the doctors to the nurses to everyone I met. I felt cared for every step of the way.”
That human connection made a lasting impact. During chemotherapy, Curtis even discovered a familiar face, someone from his high school days who was now part of the team preparing his treatments. The unexpected reunion brought comfort during one of the most difficult times of his life. This teammate would regularly sit and speak with him during his treatment to help pass the time.
With the support of his care team, Curtis made a mental shift. He decided to keep going.
Step by step, he pushed himself to eat, to move and to regain his strength—even when it felt impossible. His determination, combined with a treatment plan led by physicians like Dr. Ryan Hughes, helped turn the tide. After targeted treatments, including care for cancer in his lungs, Curtis received the news he had been hoping for, his scans were looking good.
Today, nearly two years after completing treatment, Curtis says he feels like himself again.
He’s back to restoring cars and motorcycles, traveling to the beach and spending time with his family, including finishing a special car project for his daughter. It’s a full-circle moment that once felt out of reach.
“I feel lucky,” he says. “I’m living my life again.”
During Cancer Survivorship Month, Curtis’ story is a reminder of the importance of listening to your body, seeking care early and leaning on a trusted team when it matters most. For Curtis, the expertise and compassion he found at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist didn’t just treat his cancer, they helped him find his way back to living.
