I've been reading some of the postings on this forum over the past couple of weeks and have been encouraged buy what I have read. Both good and not so good.

My journey started in mid Nov. o2 just at my 56th birthday. Infact on my birthday I was in seeing an ENT doc and being booked over to have a fine needle aspiration done on a 3x2 cm lump on my neck. Five days after my 56th birthday I was told I had a squamous cell carcinoma in my right lymph gland and they needed to find the primary site. Two weeks later a new ENT found a 2.5cm patch on the base of my tongue. And everytime I see a new doc they all ask 'Were you a smoker?". Answer, NO! Yes I did experiment when I was in my late teens but I was never a continuous smoker. The doc's just say, 'It's the luck of the draw' Well this is one lottery I would have been very happy to pass on.

As you all have been through it it comes as quite a kick to the chest when they say the big 'C' word. Life starts to take on a whole new meaning. My perspective on life is going through some re-aligning.

So for Christmas I got my 33 day plan for Rad and two four day cycles of Chemo. Consisting of 140mg of Carboplatin each day plus a 96 hour drip of 5FU by way of a wear around pump.
This has all now just started at the beginning of this week. So far so good. I have been fortunate not to have any nausea or other side effects so far. But it is only the first week. I'm sure the best is yet to come.

I've got my mask to crawl into everyday will they send those burning, healing rays after those nasty little cells. Then I head up to the Chemo ward for my daily dose. I've been able to drive myself back and forth but I have a great neighbourhood support group willing and waiting to drive when needed. My support group has been fantastic. People I never thought had many thoughts for me have been coming from all places to lend support. Through them and other friends I'm in several prayer groups around the world. I truly believe in the power of prayer. I just have to look at my first week for the effects.

I think I'm running on a bit now but I'm sure most of you have had the same emotions wound up inside and this forum is a great safe place to let it out.

My Rad DR. gave me a reality check when he said I had a 50/50 chance of surviving the year. I'd rather say that I had a 50% chance of this thing coming back in a year. when you think of it well all have a 50/50 chance of being alive at the end of the year. So what's the difference - I just happen to know what could get me. ( and it most likely won't be a Mack truck)

It's time fo rme to sign off. I'd just like to say thanks to all the brave ones who have gone before me and have put their journey stories here for us newbies to get inspiration from.

Best regards, David