| Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 8 | Eshwar is correct... there are MANY long term survivors! The forum is full of them, I have even met a 32 year survivor. Over my years with OCF, I have seen many patients who had complicated cases and who were Stage IV get thru it. But thats getting way ahead of ourselves. At this point you do not know what you have yet so it may turn out to be easily fixed with a round of antibiotics. This could be nothing more serious than an infection which is making the nodes swell. At least thats what I am hoping for you. If its more serious and it would turn out to be cancerous, then you have found the best place for assistance, the OCF forum.
I suggest finding a CCC and taking it from there. You will want to get a biopsy then get your treatment plan if it is cancerous. One step at a time. It will probably take at least a week before you know any test results. Keeping busy will help you to not jump the gun and worry about leaving your family.
Best wishes!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
