Hello all. My husband was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma last Friday. Through the internet with GREAT sites like this and the drs. we've went to so far, we have learned a lot in such a short time. My husband is 35 yrs. old, never smoked or drank-the healthiest person I've ever known (so I thought, he's never had a physical in his adult life). I have been in a state of shock and just want to wake up from this bad dream!

He's already had a biopsy and MRI. He goes on Monday for a CT-scan. Tuesday he has a chest x-ray & PET-scan. The Chemotherapy Onc, Radiation Onc & ENT are to get together on Wednesday so decide the best treatment plan. We meet with the Radiation Onc. on Thursday. They've already told us it's probably a stage 2 or 3 and that it will probably take a combination of radiation & chemo to get it.

My biggest fear is that is has spread to his lymph nodes. He complains about them hurting so bad. The pain killers they've prescribed to him are only lasting less than 2 hours.

I would love to hear from anyone who knows if the lymph node pain he's experiencing is cancer causing it. Although we should have the true answer on Thursday, it kills me to see him in pain. I would appreciate any advise or support anyone can give me. We also have a 9 yr old daughter and trying to explain what's happening with Daddy and not getting her totally scared is tough.

Thank you for your support,
JudyB