One week ago today (Wednesday)my husband, a 45 year old athlete, non smoker, light drinker went to his GP to look at a swollen gland that had been hanging around for about 3 weeks. They sent him off for a CT the same day. ENT the next day (Thursday)and a biopsy. Friday 4pm results of biopsy, SCC - very long weekend. ENT Monday, rooted around again looking for the primary, no luck - referred to oncologist - we saw him last night. Chemo is to start next week. CT showed 3 lymph nodes involved, largest tumor is 3.4cm. PET scan today - they say we'll have results at 4:00 today. Tomorrow we go back to the ENT for random biopsy of mouth, throat - I'm not sure where else. I feel so grateful that we are on the fast track with care but on the other hand it scares me. Oncologist said with the lymph nodes involved he's prob stage 3 - may change if something shows in the PET scan. I feel like the rug has been ripped from underneath me. Please God, let me wake up. Plus I'm so darn mad - how can this be happening? I know I need to stay strong for him and our kids (ages 9 and 14). I've spent the last 7 days reading everything I can get my hands on - respected sites - and it all seems so doom and gloom once there is node involvement. He hasn't read anything - too afraid. And neither one of us have come out and asked any of the doctors "So, what are his chances?" "How long does he have?" Just can't do it - yet.

I know I've rambled on and I apologize. I look for any advice or direction you can give me to help him through this. Thank you to everyone for posting on this site - has been heartwarming, scary, sad but also gives me some hope.