Hi Nate and welcome. Sorry you have to be here BUT you found a great source for support and information. As a caregiver I highly recommend you get your mom to join so she can ask questions and get support when you just aren't up to it. Like others have said, try to pack on the lbs. now. Congrats on being proactive on getting this diagnosed and moving on with treatments. As you will find out by reading other people's posts, it is not uncommon for this type of cancer to be misdiagnosed. You are lucky that you didn't delay seeking help. MD Anderson is supposed to be tops in the country for this type of cancer. I would give them another call and see what you can do about getting in there. Good luck with your appointment today and also A BIG CONGRATULATIONS on stopping drinking and smoking. It is not easy. Talk to your doctor about getting something to help with the side affects of withdrawing from both the alcohol and tobacco if you need something. Keep posting any and all questions. Someone on here will give you advise and encouragement.