Hello, I am due to go into the Luton and Dunstable hospital on 14th February for a modified neck dissection. Have been for my pre op assessment (think Victorian mental asylum and you get the picture - plus being told off by the nurse because I called her nurse and not sister). I still have faith in the NHS, all the other staff I met were lovely. have listened and learned from all the information on this site and feel prepared for the journey that lies ahead. Thanks in particular must go to the long term posters who are prepared not only to share their stories, but take time to reassure new posters like myself and give them the information on a personal level to cope with the struggles ahead. I live with a nurse and my neighbour who is a lecturer in nursing, but both of them focus on the practical side of coping, only on this forum have I found the emotional side of being diagonised with a cancer no one wants! I hope for the best on the 14th February, but with the support of everyone here I am sure that I can cope with the worst. I will keep you all informed of my progress although I will be missing in action from the 14th February as the hospital doesn't have internet connection available! Will report back on progress as soon as possible. Best wishes to all who travel this journey. xxx Mandy