I always try to keep my responses short; I may as well give up trying. Just imagine me in person - maybe you guys don't want me in Vegas!!

Everyone has the same recommendations that I would offer to you. However, I do have one additional comment. My oral surgeon did not expect the "ulcer" to be cancerous (due to my age/lack of "bad" habits), and removed what he saw on the spot. After, my medical team expressed disappointment that they were not the inital surgeons. They indicated difficulty in differentiating between scar tissue and possible cancer in the subsequent physical examinations. Furthermore, they were not positive about the footprint, so a larger sliver (back to front) was removed to ensure "clean margins".

I've heard of biopsies where a bit of tissue was removed with a needle? If this or something similar is available, I would recommend it. If it's indeed a medical problem, follow Cathy G's advice to a T. I've also found tape recording my doctor's visits (ask permission first!!) and bringing a notebook along helped keep me on track. If I needed to mentally step back during a meeting, I could listen to the tape when I returned home.

And don't forget the Ronald McDonald's homes. I belive they assist in providing places to stay for those traveling for medical assitance.

Sending warm thoughts and hope for good news....

Sabrina