Hey Bill;

Great attitude! As for "work", there may be times in the not too distant future when you or your wife might wish you had to go to the office instead of staying home. But one of your greatest allies is a powerful mindset to battle this horrific disease on a more balanced playing field.

Good luck with all the opinions; may they all point towards a cure for you and a return to your normal life as soon as humanly possible.

I found all the cancer doctors and staff to be some of the finest and most caring people on the planet. The depth of their dedication and sincerity in alleviating my fears were humbling, not to mention the fact that they saved my life and admitted me membership to the 10% Club!

I used to think the only ones like them were at the Fraser Valley Cancer Centre here in Surrey, BC, but since joining this website and reading the successes of the other members, it looks like my team wasn't the only group to escape into the public domain. Seems quality treatment and successful results are quite common amongst the oncology community, so regardless of who you ultimately choose, you should have little to be concerned about other than focusing your energy on making a complete recovery.

Kick cancer's butt on behalf of all of us!

Kindest regards,
JT2

If you can indeed go "almost anywhere but would prefer South and east coast," you'll hit the top three cancer centers, according to the latest US News rankings: MD Anderson in Houston, Memorial Sloan-Kettering in NYC and Johns Hopkins in Baltimore (also ranked #1 in ENT). Many people here have either been treated at one of these facilities or gotten second/third opinions there.

All the best,
Leslie

Bill - you asked about people getting 2nd and 3rd opinions - well I get a biopsy next week - if it's positive and I'm pretty sure it will be - this will be my third time around with mouth CA. Most recent was Sept 06. I see an excellent head and neck physician - who you might consider for another opinion. Dr. Scott Meredith - currently with Wake Med Faculty Physicians in Raleigh, NC.

Bill, when I read your post all of the past months came flooding back. My husband had the same symptoms. But... here we are almost 9 months past, and he is ready to go back to work and is gaining strenght every day. This is the right place to be. The people are wonderful and many have been where you are going. YOu can read our saga on "fianlly writing" being informed is the best you can do for yourself. Also for your wife- as a caretaker its tough. I needed this formum more than my husband did. Keep us posted. you are in our prayers. LJ

ladyjoe - I love to hear great news ...congradulations. I am also 53 and looks like I am headed down the same path. Your right this is a great place and I am a bit humbled to be touched by so many fine people.

Got back my pathology report today so I now have something to put in my signature. One of those days that kinda sucks. Oh well at least we have a plan (sorta of ). Have my PET scheduled for 5th and meetings are set for the following week for Rad and Chemo. Plan is to do both at the same time over 6-7 weeks. Will know details when I meet with the Oncologists.

Have schedule second opinion at Duke for the 6th. Things are moving fast which is good but makes my head hurt.

Lois - your were right Sullivan is a good man. My kinda of guy - direct, honest yet campassionate.

Thank you all for your help. I am going Jet Sking, fishing...will tackle next week ...next week!

Bill v

Dr. David Brizel is the HNC guru at DUMC, Bill. Make certain that you ask for him in your search for 2nd opinion. My doctor in Raleigh was previously associated with Dr. Brizel and he speaks very highly of him. We spoke to him by phone but ultimately decided that being a little closer to home to accomodate the 2x daily radiation was what we would do. Have a fun filled weekend!