Spoke to my head and neck nurse today and she was very positive about my treatment so I am a little less scared. I understand that it is not going to be a walk in the park but hopefully in early summer I will be CURED and feeling much better. I do feel very lucky, my work is being very supportive, they are taking my out for a curry before my taste buds go and I am entitled to 28 weeks full pay sick leave and then 26 weeks 1/2 pay. I also have a supportive husband, 3 children and 2 foster children and a group of friends who I know will do their best to make sure that I get through this. I am very impressed with the NHS - I had my biopsy on the 27th December and am due to have my operation on 14th February. Will keep you all informed on my progress and thank you all for the kind words of support. Mandy