I agree! Quality of life is very important, and pain management is critical. And writing here does help me work through the feelings that go along with all of this and bring some clarity of thought. I wish my mom were on the board-she would enjoy the camaraderie. Maybe she will soon.

She had her chest node biopsy yesterday, and the pulmonologist believes it will come back negative. He said he's right 90% of the time, but pathology has to confirm. If that's the case, along with the FNAB coming back with abnormal cells but no confirmation of cancer, it seems to me that her outlook is a little better. I'm looking forward to hearing what options this second opinion can offer. Wishing you all a good week....

Mom (beautiful soul) 12/4/14 SCC L tongue (neg. biopsy 10/14);
1/8/15 hemiglossectomy/neck dissection: T3N1, extracapsular extnsn, PNI, pseudoglandular/spindle cell, margins not clr;
2/2/15 RT/carbo/taxol;
4/15/15 CT clr;
5/15 neuropathic/trigeminal pain/headaches;
6/15 recurrence flap margins/BOT; cancer encroaching skin
7/23/15 hemiglossectomy; clr margins & nodes
10/22/15 CT: nasopharyngeal tumor, jaw, and necrotic nodes; tumor under chin/corner of mouth
11/5/15 left cancer behind