I want to thank every one of you for taking the time to respond to my post. It means so very much to me! After much thought, I am going to go with whatever is recommended by a multi team at a CCC. Now that I think about it, I asked my ENT what he would do if it were him and he told me chemo/radiation but he gave me info and access to all options. The chemo/radiation seemed less scary overall but I cannot make a decision based on fear. Anne-Marie, I live in the tri-cities, so I am relatively close to you. Your story about your son Paul, Tina's story and David's story all give me hope and positive thoughts which is so important! Tina, you encouraged me about the recovery aspect of having to have a portion of my tongue removed by sharing about your recovery times. I have a low functioning autistic son who is totally mute and I am his voice! I also want to thank you Paul about the info about the microsurgery. I am arming myself with knowledge. My mother, father and sister live in the Birmingham, AL area and I am going to call Monday to find out about getting a referral to UAB Hosiptal as it was on the CCC list that Christine sent me (Thank you Christine!!). My question though is this: Do CCC's specialize in the types of cancer they treat? I know they all treat all cancers but in other words, if you have breast cancer is it better to go to Houston for example, or pancreatic is treated more successfully at Duke Hospital etc. If all things are equal, UAB would be perfect for me. I hate to waste valuable time by getting another referral and appointment, but the last one only took a week. (I'm kinda paranoid cause I dont know at what point they spread. They could be contained one minute and running loose the next is my thought. I guess we all think that though. We all are concerned with that). I hope to someday soon be on here as a veteran and be a source of inspiration, encouragement and solace to other people just being diagnosed. You all have given me so much comfort and helped me by knowing that I am not alone. By knowing that there is life after a cancer diagnosis. I am glad to see by your signature lines that you all are doing well even though I know it was a fight and a battle. (still trying to navigate the shorthand on the signature lines though). As horrible as all of this is, I feel that it has actually changed me inside for the better. I will never again take any day for granted and I am thankful just to be alive, today!