You all have been so very helpful and I appreciate you so very much. Roberts listing is very helpful so I have much to discuss this morning with my ENT. I will let you know how it goes, but I am scheduled for surgery very soon. A t'ousand t'anks to ya!

Hang in there, John Paul. We're all rooting for you.

Maybe there is strength in knowing that we are all here to root for you.

Ken

Hi John Paul,

I too had an unknown primary for my first bout with this disease. They did a neck dissection on my right side only and did not need to cut any nerves or muscles. They did, however, against my request, remove my submandible saliva gland. I had only one lymph node that showed any cancer and except for the met to the neck was bascially stage I. Primary never showed up. Especially if you are planning to follow this surgery with radiation, you might want to limit how much damage they are going to do to your body in surgery. If this is really an unknown primary, why the exploratory expodition? Just some more questions for your surgeon.

Are you being treated a a major cancer center, I hope. If not, I'd consider a second opinion.

Take care,
Eileen

Hello John Paul,

Nice to know your not alone in your battle with the beast. This website is the most informative
forum on Head & Neck cancers you will find. It is a very tight band of brothers. There are almost 1800 members world wide. Ask any question and someone will reply. If you have read some of the older posting's your ahead of the game.
Write down all the questions you have before your appointments, you never remember them all when your there. Knowledge will empower you to make some difficult decisions. After you make your decisions don't second guess them.
Remember you can come here any time to keep us posted on your recovery. Who better to ask than someone who has traveled the path ahead of you?

You and your family have my best wishes as you start a most difficult journey.

Danny Boy

John Paul,

Danny Boy said, "Write down all the questions you have before your appointments, you never remember them all when your there." This is grat advice.

I remember too many times when I forgot to ask one of my docs an important question. Now I carry a crib sheet and a pen for noting the answers.

Ken

John Paul,

And I will add to that paper and pencil with - Take another person or more to hear the answers or tape record them. In our anxiety we sometimes don't exactly hear or may misinterpret what the dr is saying. Having another person with you to digest the info and help you remember it when you get home is very important.

Take care,
Eileen