On her 20th anniversary of being diagnosed with throat cancer, Sherri Morris anxiously waits in an exam room for her favorite ear, nose and throat specialist, P. Todd Nichols, M.D. She traveled six hours with her husband, David, from their home in Oak Hill, West Virginia, for her to have a scope procedure at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital Ear, Nose & Throat in South Hill, Virginia.

“I wouldn’t go to anyone else,” Morris said. “He knows my situation and has taken care of me for the past 20 years. I wouldn’t want to start over with someone new.”

In 2003, the first specialist she saw in Charleston, West Virginia, made her feel like a number. She says he wouldn’t even look down her throat. Morris felt so helpless she cried and asked her friends what she should do. Each person she spoke with told her to see Nichols, whose practice was in Charleston at the time. 

Meeting Nichols was a completely different experience, she says, compared to the first doctor she saw.

Dr. Nichols has treated Sherri Morris for 20 years.

“Dr. Nichols was honest, he listened to my concerns, and he let me ask all the questions I wanted,” she said. “He took the time to explain everything and even drew a picture of the mass on my vocal cords. When I found out he was moving to Virginia, I asked if I could still see him there, and he agreed.”

Over the years Morris has had multiple surgeries, with the last one being done here at CMH. The surgeries have had a positive effect on Morris' management of throat cancer and her quality of life, as she has not had to go through chemotherapy or radiation. Insurance across state lines is complicated, but they’re working through the challenge.

“I have such a peace about everything,” Morris said. “I tell Dr. Nichols God led me to him. I recommend him to all my friends, telling them he’s worth the drive.” 

“I am honored Sherri drives all that way to see me,” Nichols said. “It’s so important to get to know your patients. You learn about their lifestyle and their priorities and can incorporate that into their treatment plan.”

After her procedure, Morris and her husband were ready to go back home to care for their grandkids. Someone watches them while they’re away, so they make the trip east and back in the same day. 
“We got good news today,” Morris smiled. “I don’t have to come back for six months!”

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