Thank you Cathy. Thanks for your prompt reply.

This cancer is located on the posterior pharyngeal wall. The surgeon removed most of the lesion during the biopsy. Yes he's being treated at a cancer care center through the local VA. He was treated by this RO before. It hasn't been staged yet but Monday he goes to be fitted for a mouth piece through which the (beam?) will be focused. He has complete upper and lower dentures so access isn't a big problem, plus he can breathe through his stoma. Wednesday he goes for a Pet/CT scan. The VA wanted to go right in and split his jaw, but they were just a little too gung ho for us.

He was a smoker since 16, he was on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier for 4 years and has worked around all manner of toxic stuff not to mention his previous love of beer.

He magically bounced back from his previous surgery, improved his diet and other lifestyle habits, and continues to work on the water for a living .It is almost a certainty that this cancer is the result of the previous radiation therapy. And also why it is so much harder to deal with. All this time thinking you are "home free" so to speak.

It is extremely difficult for me to maintain a positive outlook as both my parents died of cancer and sometimes the medical community is so lacking (occupational hazzard?) in compassion, not to mention the fact they don't communicate well with each other.

Then we have the fact that I have a major dental event happening as well. I know we're not ever given more than well can handle but this is really pushing it.

EBJ