Hi Liz:

I have been following your posts, and want you to know how sorry I am about the loss of your husband. I hate hearing stories like that because I have had several misguided diagnoses from my doctors prior to being diagnosed with tonsil cancer. When I first noticed a swollen place on the right side under my chin in mid-2007, my general practitioner diagnosed it as a swollen lymph node from a sinus infection. Several weeks later, I called because the swollen place was still there - the nurses told me I was paranoid and not to worry - they have such things all the time and mine will go away - yeah, right! After several more weeks went by, I decided to go to an ENT on my own. He checked my throat and said my right tonsil was a little swollen, so he did a needle biopsy of the area under my chin, which came back NEGATIVE. I waited another several weeks and since the swollen place was still there, I went to yet another ENT. He didn't think I had a problem but suggested I have my tonsils removed since they looked "irritated." Well, after surgery, I ended up with SCC under where my tonsils had been, plus it had spread to the lymph nodes. Thus, the radiation and chemo, and fears for the future. Anyway, what I wanted to say is that I am a retired 30-year technical illustrator/editor, and will be glad to help with your brochere in any way I can. Just let me know. Again, so sorry for the loss of your soul mate.

julieann