Hi Erik,

You and I have very similar stories, I have three boys 16,13,8, I was 40 when I received my "bomb", I have been self employed in the telephone service industry for 12 years now, married 20 years last September.

Your attitude is good (although I am sure there is plenty of fear yet) I remember the period between diagnosis and surgery was the worst.

Some things for you to think about (like you need more) First thing tomorrow (they are closed today) call your local Social Security office, You should have no problem getting some kind of disability. Second, If you have any disability insurance for your business, make a claim. Third If you have employees you'll be surprised how well they can carry the load. Fourth, if you don't have employees, consider hiring one, if that won't work then do you have a "friendly" competitor that you could ask to carry the load. You'll be very surprised how many people will be willing to help.

Get your mind into "Patient Mode" Coming from a self employed do-it-yourself world in to the world of being needy and requiring medical services is a bit different. Not bad mind you just a different frame of reference. I gained a real appreciation for all the good people who take up care giving as a profession. smile

Take care

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.