Hi Maureen, we found the experience completely overwhelming.
We have also been there on 2 occasions. I dont think anything prepares you for that level of scrutiny.
It could even have been a job interview. Will they offer treatment? Won't they? Can they treat this? I remember sitting in that crowded room praying that the team would offer treatment , praying for them to just fix this.
I was staring out the window not wanting to look. One of the Team said to me,
" come over here and look at this tumour". My goodness, that was the last thing I wanted to do. I didn't even want to be in that room, let alone look at my Husbands tumour!
The 2nd time I knew what to expect. I watched the surgeon as he examined and scoped Kris, intently. I knew from his facial expression and his quick glance at me that this was not going to be an easy fix.

Tammy

Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis
DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT.
PET 6/11 clear.
R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED
Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in.
March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!