Sometime in the future I'll move off this topic but for now I appreciate the input and a chance to write about what's happening.

I had a long talk with my GP on Saturday. Fortunately he's a neighbor and a friend. He said to not let my imagination run wild but to gather facts. I now realize that for the common guy medicine really is a black hole. You just rely on your doctors to help lead you.

My wife and I met with my ENT on Monday afternoon. My parents were visiting so my dad went which helped a bunch. To this point the pathologists and ENT couldn't confirm that it's cancer. 2 out of 14 slides came back highly suspicious for cancer, add to this where the tumor is located (common place for cancer on base of tongue), and it was decided that I take the next step. So I'm having a second surgery tomorrow (New Years Eve). This will include removing a little more tissue and doing the pandoscopy (sp?). My New Year's gift will be my final diagnosis.

Again thanks to y'all for responding. It's helping me keep a level head.

I do have one issue. I keep hearing that I need a multidisplinary team to really advise me on my treatment. At this point I do not have this and am not sure those around me understand this need. Maybe I have not voiced it strongly enough. How do I take this step? Do I call the hospitals? Do I talk with my GP and get his help? How do I go down this path?

Steve