Strength and Honor! That is exactly what I think of you Paul. As you suit up in your armor in preparation of one of the biggest battles in this never ending war know I and many will be praying for the best possible outcome for you. You have become a beacon for all of us, lighting the path into darkness like no one before us.

Get through this and I will be in line for one of the biggest hugs of my life...if she lets me! LOL

Thanks Uptown,that made me smile, and can feel the support. Funny you say suit up, that's what I do besides metallly, visually, I'm getting a haircut today, clipped my nails, shaved already, as I don't shave day of surgery as a habit, and have to look good even in battle

Best to you on this next battle, Paul. I know you are geared up for it but still want to offer some encouragement.

I guess the worst part is after all the grays you will no longer be able to pass through any security checkpoints. All the sirens will blare this dude is packing a nuke! lol

Again, best to you on a speedy recovery. don

Thanks Don. I need encouragement. I have to be there 5:30am. Surgery is at 7:30am. Actually there is a geiger counter in the OR to measure the radiation level, and hope I don't set that off.

Thinking about you, Paul - and sending you my very best positive vibes, prayers and wishes for a successful surgery today, and for everything to go just the way it's supposed to. Sounds like you are well prepared (love the haircut!) and you have an excellent team working for you!

Thanks.

Waiting to see a post saying everything is finished and the surgery was a success. Thinking of you today Paul. Best wishes!!!

Good luck today Paul were all in your corner wishing you the best...ken

Good luck my dear. I am surprised that with an infection they are going to operate. It just leaves you open to a bigger and more systemic infection. Hopefully all will go well, and the treatment they are giving you will do what it's supposed to so you can have some peace and enjoy your cooking and eating... ;o) hugs.

I finally arrived back home a little while while ago, on Wednesday with some mixed reviews. Surgery started at 7:40pm, and ws in recovery arounnd 10:30am. My surgeon came in too see in recovery, and said radiaition could not be given nor given safely being so close, maybe attched to the carotid artery, and microscopic cancer was still there. They want to go back in and remove what they can, including the cartotid artery, and do the radaition as planned, which I agreed to, and know this is no easy task. After a few hours, I was send to another sister hospital by ambulance for testing to see how i would fare with one carotid artery with a baloon inclusion aertery test via the femoral artearery and sealed by baloon temporaally, similar to an angeoplasty, that was later closed with suture mediated closure and Mynx Vasculature closure device was supposed go go back to by hospital, but stayed in their neuro ICU. The test showed my carotid and other veins in good working order, so I can have the carid artey in my left neck sealed or remved and surgey and radiation done next Thusday.