Hi Trout,

My husband’s ENT sent him on to the professor of the Otolaryngology Department at the university in much about the same way. We had to wait six weeks for our appointment. But once John had seen the doctor, I actually felt better because I knew he was in good hands. The doctor ordered a biopsy and post-biopsy, the treatment options were very clearly explained to us, including where John would be getting radiation, the possible wait times,etc. It was reassuring, to say the least.

Like Christine said, we took it one day at a time and we tried to keep our sense of humor. I would do little things like buy the doctor standing in line behind us at the coffee concession a coffee. It was my way of showing gratitude and the effusive thanks we received made both John and I feel good for the rest of the morning. It also made us more aware of people around us instead of being wrapped up in ourselves the whole time. It helped us to shift our focus away from the illness from time to time and to remember that life was still going on around us and we were still players in it. I encouraged John to,talk about his illness with his friends and, that, way, we got the emotional support and offers of help. It’s the isolation, I believe, that causes the feeling of loneliness in patitnets who have a serious illness. This is why I think this forum is such a good idea, that it allows us to ask questions and to develop a sense of togetherness because we have all been through it one way or another.

Please do keep posting. Vent when you need to, we will be here for you.