Hi Larry,
Just wanted you to know I hear you. My husband, Stephen is 62 and 1yrs post surgery this week. He had stage 4 gum/jaw/lymph nood cancer and is recovered today. I am shocked and sad the doctor(s) did not look in your throat, my husband had also stopped smoking and there also was a smell of decay weeks before he had surgery.

I know this is traumatic and scary, keep yourself close to your best mates or partner. Rest, keep busy, drink loads of water and eat all your favorite foods. Let us know when your surgery/treatement will start.

Feeling your pain, Sophie

husband 61@diagnosis painter
6/9/13 Exophylic invasive SCC IV(ext.gingivobuccal) 3cm+ mandibular/lytic/erosion, jugular/node9mmshort-axis
17/9/13 Dx(moderately aggressive)
24/10/13 left madiblectomy, mod radical neck disct, leg flap, NGtube
2/01/14 (30 tx)rads 60gy
N2b (2nodes under jaw) (rem. in tiny nerves) (rem. 30 nodes)
Clear margin, close 2mm inner cheek
15/05/14 cellulitis
3/12/14 Chest CT Clear
27/02/15 cellulitis
8/6/15 cellulitis
10/6/15 Osteomyelitis