I had the biopsy Friday and it was reviewed right away. It's squamous cell carcinoma. I have an appointment with an oncologist on Monday afternoon. I'm trying to make a list of questions for the doctor, but I keep spacing out.

Not sure what else to say, or what to ask.

Well,this confirms what the doctors have suspected. I know finally, actually hearing the words is shocking, depressing, and overwhelming. If you are feeling anything less, you would not be normal. Hopefully this is where your last ten days of planning and information gathering is going to pay off, as it helps you get right into the treatment process with many of your options already sorted out in your mind.

Please know that all of us here will be with you for the next few months as you go through the process. I hope you get a sense that the people posting here have not only been through the emotional, but the physical challenges before you you. But more than that, what I want you to take away from that knowledge, is that it is a passable path. Were still here after all the crap. With determination, good doctors, and a bit of luck, you too one day will look back at this in your rearview mirror.

Keep the faith. Try to stay positive even though there will be overwhelming times when it is not possible to stay out of the dark place. Deal with each day and don't worry about the next. Take them and the challenges one at a time. We'll be here when the questions arise or the desire to vent presents itself.

Hang in there Andrew and bring a tape recorder or someone who can take detailed notes. Many decision trees will be thrown at you very quickly.

What you can expect now are a lot of tests. Differential blood work, creatinine clearance (kidney function), PET or PET/CT, MRI, Chest X-ray, Hearing (audiology test) TSH level baseline test, etc., possibly an HCV and even an HPV test as well.

If you are not at a comprehensive cancer center I would highly recommend one. Fighting cancer requires a coordinated teamwork approach.

A guestimate on your staging (TXMXNX or TMN) would be very useful for making decisions as well.

You should also be seeing a radiation oncologist.

Make an emergency appointment with your dentist immediately and get all of your minor repairs, etc. done now. Your dental health is very important during and after treatment. Having dental trays would be very useful as well (for in home flouride treatments).