Chapter 14: Taz Kicks the Big C Summary and Analysis

The biggest battle that Sonny ever faced was in 1982 when he was diagnosed with throat cancer. He had suffered with a sore throat for five months. He had smoked Camels for thirty-five years so naturally the possibility of cancer occurred to him. Sharon finally tricked him into going to the doctor. A biopsy confirmed the worst. Surgery was scheduled but Sonny was sure the cancer was going to kill him. His lymph nodes and vocal chords were removed. The lymph nodes had absorbed the cancer cells not allowing them to spread. Sonny couldn't talk after the operation. He underwent radiation therapy during recovery. Through therapy, he learned to talk through a valve sewn into his windpipe. Sonny quit his cigarette habit.