Welcome Philip!

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis but glad you found us! I too had never posted or been involved in ANY on line social media, including Facebook, until joining this group. You will find everyone here very supportive and willing to share their experiences and knowledge to help you get through this very tough, but beatable disease.

As far as the timeline goes you are doing fairly well. It took me close to 2 months from noticing the lump in my neck and seeing my GP, to getting confirmation from the actual biopsy. Then another 4 weeks to get everything set up prior to treatment start. A little delay due to my doctor's vacation schedule.

Like Christine said, the depression and anxiety are par for the course. You may have never taken a pill for emotional issues in your entire life, but you have never been diagnosed with cancer either. I understand exactly how you feel. I am a pretty well balanced individual but this unhinged me big time.

You have a lot going for you so take some heart. I am sure you know that the cure and survival rate for HPV cancer is significantly higher than for those of us that are not HPV positive. You have a strong and loving wife to help you get through this. I have been married for over 40 years and have had a good relationship with my wife. Our love has only deepened through this entire ordeal. You just need to be aware of her feelings as well, as I am sure you will.

Just remember, when you hear someone refer to battling cancer, it's just that. A "battle." I am sure that when you walk into a courtroom you go in with the intention of winning. Take the same attitude here and you will do just fine. You are going to kick some butt!

Keep us up to date with your progress and best of luck. You are going to be OK.

Ed

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