We New Zealanders don't like to express our emotions but I have to say I love you guys smile Know what you mean about ROs. People criticise surgeons for being mere scalpel-wielders but I've found most of my surgeons to be big softies really. As for the nurses, technicians, therapists and receptionist in the Oncology Dept, they couldn't have been friendlier. A smile and a "you're doing so well" and a some brief conversation make the world of difference to a patient going through this.

My low mood seems to have passed.

1996, ovarian cancer surgery + cisplatin and taxol.
September, 2007, SCC of left lateral tongue. Excision.
October, 2009 recurrence in scar tissue, T1NOMO. Free flap surgery from left wrist - neck dissection. 63 year old New Zealander. No chemo, no RT.
February, 2014. New primary in left buccal mucosa. Marginal mandibulectomy, neck dissection, right arm free forearm flap. T1N0M0 but third occurrence and some areas of concern: RT started 8 April and finished 19 May.