Welcome to OCF. The next couple of weeks are going to be stressful, and the questions you will have will be many. There are many survivors here that care enough to spend the time to help you through this process with both information and emotional support... don't be afraid to ask. Knowledge is the basis for making great decisions. Ask your health care providers enough so that you completely understand what you have, and what they intend to do. If it isn't clear... ask again. It is important that right from the beginning you are your own best advocate. I am here in Orange County with you and would be pleased to talk to you about treatment resources etc. if you wish. If you ask I will provide you with my local number by email. Remember that people of all stages survive this. Do not get hung up on whatever stage they say you have, or statistics. You are an individual and unique, not a statistic. A battle awaits you that will require everything that you can throw at it. It is time to put on your fighters face. The road ahead may not be easy, but it is very passable. When you falter there are people here that will help. One day this will be in your rear view mirror. In the meantime, you have a new cyber support family to add to your list of resources.

Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.