[quote=tina77]my ENT knew before even having the biopsy done. The biopsy simply confirmed. [/quote]

Likewise Tina,

I was fortunate that my GP was suspicious from the get go. We treated my swollen lymph node with antibiotics twice. After the 2nd round, tests were ordered and things happened in quick succession after that. When I went to the ENT, I wanted to know straight up what he thought based on his experience. The CT confirmed the masses in my neck prior to my visit. He scoped me and when he was done, he looked me in the eye and said "This is cancer. I don't know what type but I've seen enough of it to know". A FNAB confirmed it as well as the subsequent PET scan.

If I had heard "I don't see anything unusual" or had gotten biopsy results that said "no cancer" I would be jumping for joy! As survivors, we live with a certain amount of fear in the backs of our minds. That's to be expected. But if we allow it to dictate our lives, it really isn't living is it?

I'm early on in my survival journey. The next two years are crucial as most recurrences occur in that time span. However, I bound and determined to live and enjoy my life to the best of my ability despite the threat of this beast returning.

Here's to not just surviving but to living!

"T"