Thanks for the information, Paul. I read up about that but turns out it was kind of a futile exercise since the doctor I saw for my second opinion does not think that Alloderm is the best idea. Regardless, thank you for the information and for sharing some of your experience.

Tony, you're right. Much easier said than done especially since I am a worrier by nature. I did take the time to look up Bart's story and on the off chance that he reads this it's very impressive and inspirational. I only hope to emulate the positivity that he and others here have shown. Thank you for the words of advice.

Update on me, not that it is particularly interesting or important: my surgery is scheduled for April 7th, 2014 and they do want to do a neck dissection. The MRI showed more depth than they had originally thought and they would rather be aggressive than sorry. So, I will have a 4 hour surgery and be in the hospital for a few days. He did say that I could refuse the neck dissection, but I'm not sure if I am willing to take the risk. I'm going back and forth. Like they say, sometimes you just have to bite the bullet. Now it's just a waiting game. I am supposed to graduate in May with my marketing degree (yes, it took me longer because of switching majors) so hopefully I can work something out with school. I will try not to worry about that either. Hope all of you are doing well. Wish me luck!