Len,
My situation was pretty similar to yours. I was 54, hadn't smoked since high school and rarely drank, but found a tumor at the base of my tongue and neck nodes making me stage IV. Last year was a very tough, but not unhappy year. I went through all the radiation with a dose of chemo, had the PEG tube for 10 months...all the usual stuff, with some extended swallowing problems.

However I am here to report to you that now I feel so good that I almost feel guilty about it, especially when I read about the tough times that many folks here are going through. I have gained most of my lost weight back, my color has returned, my energy is good, and life is good. So what if I can't eat steaks or chocolate chip cookies...I get by fine on the stuff that I can eat and frankly, don't miss the stuff that I cannot eat.

So hang in there guy. When times were hard I got more support and understanding from the people on this board than from any other place...especially the hospital. Welcome aboard, keep us posted as to your treatment and progress, and know that for most of us this passes and life goes on, even if not exactly as before.

Danny G.