Name: Marty Jennings
Diagnosis: Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Years of Survivorship: 11 years
Location: Plymouth, MN

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Published on September 4th, 2024

When Were you diagnosed with a rare cancer?

“In October 2013, I was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma - sublingual salivary gland cancer. My surgery was November 20th, 2013 at MD Anderson in Houston. During surgery, the tumor and four teeth were removed and the quad muscle and veins replaced the area in my mouth. Thirty radiation sessions followed the surgery, along with physical and speech therapies.

The cancer later spread to my upper right lung and on August 31st, 2022, 10% of my lung was removed robotically at MD Anderson. Overall, I am almost an 11 year survivor. 

ACC can appear for various reasons, and I believe that my salivary gland cancer came from radiation sessions that I had in 1950 and 1951. In May 1950, while at a neighbor’s house at the age of four, I was severely burned from head to toe while I was stirring a double boiler of tapioca pudding. My foot slipped off the chair and the boiling water and tapioca covered my body which caused 2nd and 3rd degree burns. After the ‘recovery,’ I had two large scars - one under my chin/neck and the other on my upper leg. At the time, radiation was suggested to eliminate the scarring. Many times I went to a doctor to have my leg and my chin radiated. The scar under my chin was exactly where the tumor was found and ACC can come from radiation! I am convinced that my ACC came from the radiation procedures so many years ago, although I do not think that my doctors agree completely with me.”

How did you get diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma?

“Starting in 2011, for over two years I went to an ENT doctor telling him about an earache - he told me many times that there was nothing wrong with me! There was a soft, golf ball sized tumor under my tongue - my dentist missed it! While visiting my cousin in Pennsylvania, she was telling me about the tori in her mouth - and I asked her to look if I had tori. After looking, she replied, ‘it’s not tori, but you have a tumor under your tongue!’ That is how my cancer was finally discovered.

From there I made an appointment at the University of Michigan which led to a biopsy and finding adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland. I was advised to get a second opinion, so I went to MD Anderson in Houston; the biopsy results were the same and so was the approach to the cancer. My decision was to have the surgery, radiation and therapy in Houston. Fortunately my friends and family raised $23,000 so that I could stay in Houston for five months. MD Anderson has the best team of doctors and staff - always thorough, helpful and kind. Now I return at least twice a year for CT scans and MRIs to make sure that the right decisions are made IF the cancer returns. I trust my MD Anderson team exclusively.“

How Did you get connected with the Brave Like Gabe Foundation?

“Having retired in November 2017 in Michigan, I decided to move to the Minneapolis area to be near my two sons and seven grandchildren at the time - now eight. I moved into my apartment in Plymouth on May 5th, 2018. I am not sure how or where I saw the date and information for the first Brave Like Gabe 5K - possibly on Facebook. I immediately signed up for the 5K which was May 20th, 2018.

Gabe invited all of us with ACC to her apartment complex for a gathering on the evening before the race. We were all able to share our stories and talk to others with ACC. Gabe was so engaging and so open to everyone in the room - it was a very positive evening. I felt very blessed to be there with Gabe and everyone else. And the next day, we all walked or ran in the first Brave Like Gabe 5K in Como Park. The entire experience was uplifting. I was ‘new’ to the area, so I was happy to have found a new ‘family.’ When I returned the following year I was looking forward to seeing Gabe again, but at that time she was in the hospital and passed away shortly after that day. 

Every year I am proud to take part in the Brave Like Gabe 5K. Even though I was not there physically in 2020, my thoughts and prayers were with everyone. Every year I meet more and more ACC survivors.”

Why do you participate in the Brave Like Gabe 5K?

“It is a privilege to be able to walk the 5K each year. I am happy to support the Brave Like Gabe Foundation and to ask others to support the effort, as well. Our cancer is so rare, as you know, and giving to BLG makes me feel even more engaged than with any other causes. I want to see more progress in the research so that more lives can be saved.”

Why does rare cancer research matter?

“Rare cancer research matters to me and to all who have experienced ACC. It is important to continue to support the cause and to ultimately find a cure. I promote the cause often, asking others to contribute to the BLG Foundation”

What does it mean to be #BraveLikeMarty?

“Gabe was the bravest of all and from her example and her drive, I have learned to be brave as well. I will continue to raise money for a great cause. On Facebook I stay connected to others with ACC, encouraging them as they face their journeys. I started a GoFundMe for a young man with ACC and I want to help as many as possible with answering questions and helping them face their cancer. I continue to be #BraveLikeMarty, wanting to be a beacon of light for each of my ACC friends.”

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