After cancer diagnosis, patient-doctor connection made all the difference

In 2023, Ken Hull of Boalsburg learned the lump on his neck was cancerous. But he found solace in the care he got from his Geisinger doctor. 

His hospital referred Mr. Hull, 64, out of network to Thorsen Haugen, MD, a Geisinger otolaryngologist specializing in head and neck surgical oncology. The two immediately hit it off.   

“Having been referred to Dr. Haugen was the single best thing that happened at the start,” Mr. Hull says. “He really knows his stuff. From day 1, I was super impressed with the guy. He was like a maestro, orchestrating my treatments.” 

The treatment grind

Though they were coordinated well, the treatments themselves weren’t easy. Mr. Hull’s cancer was advanced squamous cell carcinoma that began on his right tonsil, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). 

Mr. Hull required chemotherapy and 33 radiation treatments. The side effects made it hard for him to chew and swallow, so he had to use a feeding tube for 6 weeks.  
  
But his physician knew what he was going through. “Dr. Haugen gave me his personal cell number to reach him if I needed anything,” said Mr. Hull. “He always got back to me right away. He’s amazing.” 

Starting to feel like himself again

An artist, biker and author of 2 books on local eateries in central Pennsylvania, Mr. Hull is also a rock climber and fitness buff. 

After his treatment ended, he was intent on getting back in shape. Mr. Hull set out to do a pull-up challenge to celebrate his birthday and surviving cancer.  

“I wondered if I could do 64 pull-ups in 6 minutes and 4 seconds to mark my 64th birthday. I trained all summer for it,” he says.  

Meanwhile, Dr. Haugen, who shares his patient’s passion for health and exercise, was also working out on a pull-up bar.  

“Ken wanted me to do the competition with him,” Dr. Haugen says. “He would text me his updates and I would text him my updates.”   

Mr. Hull accomplished his goal at an event at the Climb Nittany climbing gym in October 2024.   

And now, he says he’s feeling like his old self again. “What a difference a year makes. I’m very happy where I’m at.” 

Knowledge is power

After his cancer diagnosis, Mr. Hull says his wish is that more parents have their kids vaccinated against HPV. The vaccine is recommended for all preteens at 11 to 12 years old — and it’s the only vaccine that prevents cancer. 

Not all HPV infections cause cancer. But the CDC says HPV may be responsible for more than 90% of anal and cervical cancers, about 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers and 60% of penile cancers. While cancers of the throat are often caused by smoking and alcohol, some 60% to 70% may be linked to HPV. 

“There’s an increasing number of cases of HPV cancers of the head and neck,” Dr. Haugen says. “We’re seeing more young people in their 30s. It’s increasing very rapidly.” 

A new lease on life

The whole experience has given him a renewed perspective, says Mr. Hull. 

“I've mostly lived my life trying to be fit and healthy. Now that I've had a literal brush with death, it's all the more important moving forward,” he says. “You never know what cards you might be dealt in life. But doing all you can do physically, mentally, emotionally and even with your faith will at least give you an advantage. It’s an advantage that I'm grateful for and will continue to pursue as long as I'm blessed to do so.” 
 

Next steps: 

Read and watch more stories 
Learn about cancer care at Geisinger
See how John Yoder is helping others after beating cancer