Christmas Eve last year is when John went to the doctor for a non-painful lump that popped up in his neck a week prior. He had no other symptoms - no pain in his throat, tongue, no voice changes - nothing. This visit to our family doctor is what got the ball rolling on "our" journey with oral cancer. Thank God John's doctor didn't take a "wait and see" approach but ordered blood work, a CT Scan and a follow-up with the ENT. January 9th is the day we got the diagnosis of cancer.

What a year this has been. I thank God that John is cancer free and marched through treatments with a courage and resolve that I don't know that I could have. There were many days where I as his caregiver cried in my car and wondered if we would get through this. It is such a helpless feeling to watch someone you love more than anything go through such brutal treatments. There was a month where John could no longer talk without throwing up because of the debilatating mucus and the pain. I had to sleep in our spare bedroom so I could get up every day at 5:45am so I could go to work to provide the insurance for us. John owns his own business and was unable to work for over a month. They were truly some of the most lonely days of my life. BUT....he got through it without ever complaining and life is GOOD. He still doesn't have his "mouth feel" or 100% of his taste back but he has re-gained 10 of the 30 lbs. he lost and is doing GREAT!

I feel so blessed to be the wife of this amazing man who I love more than anything. It's weird, even though this year has been the most difficult of my life, it has brought John and I even closer and definitely deepened our love for each other.

For everyone out there currently in treatment - you will get through this and there are brighter days ahead.

Thank you to each and everyone of you for your continued support and information. Have a very Merry Christmas!