Hi KJ,

I'm a newbie to this forum too, but like yourself, I've found it to be very informative and supportive.

We've all broken the first rule of thumb and gone out and Googled. I assure you it will do nothing but scare the bejeebers out of you.

1st thing is: It's not cancer until the tests and doctors say it's cancer!

2nd thing: Depending on how your insurance works (if you have it) etc., see your primary doctor and get a referral to an ENT that specializes in Head and Neck cancer. If he doesn't know of one, there are searches you can do to find a Comprehensive Cancer Center near you: http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/cancer. Once you find one, you can browse the staff and look up the doctors and get reviews etc. If indeed this turns out to be cancer, a 2nd opinion is warranted and advisable.

In the mean time, as hard as waiting will be, that's what you have to do. "IF" this is serious, it typically can take from 4-12 weeks before treatment can start (DX'd Nov. 30th 2012, 1st treatment March 14th 2013.

Positive thoughts and prayers

"T"