Nancy,

It looks like most people dealt with the 2nd question, but it sounds like the first was pretty important...so yes, this is the place for support and to vent, and to share.

I was pretty down for a time, and never wanted to burden my family who was already stressed out enough, so I came here. Everyone has gone through the "why me" times, and stress about the future, work, and the like. You're not alone.

I am a lawyer and a litigator, so talking is my profession. When my surgeon told me I would lose half of my tongue, I had no clue what that meant for the future. Happily, I was back to work within a month, and within 6 months (and a lot of physio) I had my full shoulder range of motion back and most of my neck. I played baseball this season.

Both my speech and physiotherapists said my recovery was due to my commitment to the treatment plan, and doing all the homework for both. I now am a mentor in Alberta for those going through OC.

You can do this. Set your mind to doing everything you are told to do, even if you're tired, or don't want to, or it's hard. It will be hard, but it's worth it.