Uptown,

I don't know why I got such good numbers. Maybe they're just trying to make me feel better -- I was worried abut that for a few days, but I've decided it doesn't really matter anyway -- I'm not a number, I'm a free man and my blood is my own, now (to quote the mighty Iron Maiden \"/). I'm being treated by one of the highest rated centers in my state, they are saying inoperable because they don't feel the surgery significanly improves my chances relative to my quality of life, at least before doing the radiation.

For right now, I'll take their number, I'll take their advice -- my oncologist seems smart, reasonable and confident. He's warned me he's going to put me through the wringer, but he feels good about my chances for "cure". Imay have no reason to believe him, but I have no reasone to NOT believe him either . He also believes humor is my best weapon in this, so at least we see eye to eye on that. I just hope he can handle my rather dark sense of humor -- I'm not exactly a sensitive Sally, at least when it comes to myself.

Thanks for the advice and good wishes!

The Hellion