So - I only had to have one molar extracted on Tuesday. My dentist had the trays made for fluoride treatment each night and gave me fluoride toothpaste and then pronounced my dental condition stable and ready for treatment. So we met with the RO on Wednesday and yesterday I had my planning session.

Thursday I returned to work for the first time in 5 weeks. It was a very emotional day with me as I met with my staff and shared my cancer diagnosis (all but a few thought I was just home, recovery from 2 surgeries) - I am very close with most of my employees so - lots of tears followed by lots of hugs! I explained that I would probably be in-and-out for about 2-4 weeks once treatment begins, until I can no longer make the commute to the office from PA to Baltimore. Thereafter, I will be working from my computer at home and taking conference calls from home until I can't do that either. I explained that after treatment, it's a long healing process and I might not be back until sometime early summer.

Yesterday, I went to the Cancer Center with my best girl friend and had 'the mask' made, got the CT scan, etc. It did not bother me in the least to be bolted down to the table for @25 minutes while they took down all the necessary measurements, so I feel much better about how the radiation treatments will be when they start. The planning session took about 2 hours and afterward my girlfriend and I shopped our way all over town and had lunch, and then back to my house for more hours of 'girl talk' until my husband got home. It actually was a wonderful day with my very dear friend, considering the source of our get-together.

So, it looks like, if they can do all the necessary planning, and get with my chemo onc, that my first radiation and chemo treatment will be on Monday 2/1/10. I will be getting the PEG on Friday 1/29. They will keep me overnight to ensure there are no complications and I will go home on Saturday.

I can't thank you all enough for sharing your experiences on this site - although I am still scared about starting treatment, I feel much better, armed with information, and knowing at least in general, what lies ahead.

BTW - I finally did get my official dx: Stage 4, T1N2bM0

CHARM - I did speak to my RO about the THS and he said he is very aware and will be monitoring throughout treatment so that he can prescribe the appropriate medication if needed.