Amy ~ Glad that you've gotten some meds that work. Have you been able to eat without getting sick? Just remember that your kids and friends need you to get well and stay here. Maria

Hey Dave! So sorry to hear that your having this trouble. You sound like you have gotten very wise counsel and a great treatment plan. You will absolutely be in my thoughts and prayers and please do keep in touch with us here. We will get through this with you. You are never alone with many friends. Hugs! Debbie

Like most of you I am thrilled with my second anniversary. I continue to feel better, mantain stamina, and enjoy so much more of life. I'm blessed. Now the really serious stuff: I'm in the middle of a month long diagnosis regarding cancer. I have a sqamous carcinoma, about 5.5 centimeters, on the left side of my neck. I also have suspect tissue on my tongue. Wed. I had tissue samples taken from my throat, tongue and tonsil area. There's a 95% chance the neck growth is secondary to another in my body, potentially my tongue. At a minimum, I will have radiotherapy followed by healing then surgery over a 5 month period. If I have a primary tumor elsewhere (real potential), I'll have chemo while I receive radiotherapy. I'll be sick for awhile, but the chances of a good outcome are there. Thank God I got this now instead of 20 years prior! One of my good friends is the former Director of the Markey Cancer Center at UK which rates as Kentucky's best. He's providing great counsel. I've got "Cadillac" insurance, in addition to a cancer policy, that allows for two opinions (and treatment plans) which I''m getting. I'll analyze them with help and make decisions on one or a hybrid of both within the next month. Treatment will probably begin in Sept. so I may have the holidays to heal before surgery after the New Year. I'll beat this: after all, I'm in the best shape I've been in since my mid-thirties. I'd ask that you send light my way and keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I'll post more as my diagnosis and plans become more defined. I've had my share of scans, excisions of tissue, and needles in the neck, but it has really not been that bad: the hard stuff is coming. Dave

How are things going for you? Please post - just to let us know that you're still ok (well, as ok as you can be given the situation). Take care, Maria

I am home from BR- came home actually yesterday mid afternoon.. I could've stayed longer- however- i got a bad nurse for that shift- and a new roommie- that all she did was swear and then family came like crazy and were so LOUD... I only get migraines it seems like when i have surgery- so i'm fighting that- but not in pain really at all- suprised me... i only had about a 3 inch pain from top of left Breast to the side- where the drain tube was placed- and i guess he touched the muscle on that side.... it's much better today- and i'm only taking tylenol now... walking around...and resting.... they moved surgery up from 3:30- to 11:00- but then didn't get into the operation room anyway until 2ish.. (i remember being wheeled to the room- but not being moved or breathing anything- and my vitals where so good- that i was moved up to my room around 4:30ish... and other than being really got and sick to tummy and a headache from sound and light... I was actually ok.. (and the left breast 3 inch pain)... i had morphin 2 times- and other than that- tylonel......... I'm a little worried though- how small i am- he said he kept me around a C cup- but they took out over 2 pounds in one breast and 2 1/2 pounds in the other.. (YIKES) i have a pain buster ball thing- but i'm not sure if it's really working or not.. since I have nausea and the grogginess... ???? could be worse then uh? anyway- i'm home.. and resting.. thanks jennifer