Josh,

I was taken aback at how similar our stories are. I was a busy lawyer, and pushed my issue away for a few months as well. I also "knew" before I was told, having done all the research and watched the neck dissection video on youtube.

I am now just shy of 9 months post-surgery. I sounded like the godfather last fall, then Elmer Fudd with a lisp, then like a deaf person. With the help of speech therapy, and a lot of work, people who didn't know me before don't know, and those who did say I am about 95% back to "normal".

I have never doubted I would get through this, although there are days of self-pity from time to time. My one real breakdown was at home in the shower when I realized I couldn't lift my arms high enough to wash my hair. I cried and then figured out a way to get it done. That's been my motto...find a way to get it done, even if it's different than before.

It sounds like you have a great attitude, keep at it. This place is where you can vent. I needed it as I didn't want to burden my family. Now I check in for the reminder of how lucky I have been.

I'll be thinking of you, and wishing you the best through your treatment.