After surgery for stage 1 cancer of the vocal cord we were surprised when the doctor suggested a neck dissection just to make sure there was nothing in the nodes. We were allowed to go on a 10 day cruise first but unfortunately my husband got very sick coming home with strep and the surgery was canceled. Then with the holidays and our son's wedding in CA it was re-scheduled in January. I felt we made a mistake by delaying surgery and going on the cruise.

I truly believe it was God's hand and his timing. We found out that his second surgery in the same year would not of been covered but by waiting till after Jan. 1st it was covered. Also, there was cancer found in just one node out of 23 that was very small.

I truly think if he had the surgery right away the cancer might not of reached the node yet and we would of thought we were home free only to discover it down the road and further along. Instead, he is doing great and life is good other than the loss of some of his voice. Things could be worse instead of appearing like you have laryngitis all the time.