Thanks for the update Brian. I hope that someday we could look at someones genes and know what the possibilities are. Also to use our genes to to protect us against this and other diseases. We have come very far in the past few years with better treatment for cancer. My sisters surgeon told us that 10 years ago she would of had a total glossectomy because reconstruction was not available at that time. Now not being able to talk and eat is not ok with him. He is a dr that is totally devoted to finding a cure for this disease amoung others. I am very grateful for people like him and you who are so dedicated to making a difference by awareness and research.
The surgeons words to her, yes I would assume were very harsh for her to hear. She was very upset knowing that smoking is most likely the cause along with her not going to the dentist. But at the sametime she was also misdiagnosed for 8 months which I think has taken the blame of herself and put on those first few dr's she incountered.

As far as me I think I am eventually going to go through the genetic testing. Not only for myself but for the child I eventually plan to have. I am also trying to put together a free cancer screening in my area with the help of Susan to make more people aware of this disease. It is a tough cancer for someone to be diagnosed with. Yes I understand that all cancers are emotionally tough, but this one seems espeacially hard. My sister feels disfigured and does not want to talk to anyone. This is a person that has a job that consists of talking to many people a day and a person that loved to go out and socialize with people. Now she don't even talk on the phone. I also plan to be consistant with my dental exams and will go to the dr for every little pain I may have. I have to! This diagnosis also changed me for the rest of my life. I am very scared.