Sweet Melinda,
I was 32 when first diagnosed, but I believe you're right about the general age median being older. I'm told I'm an unusual case due to my youth, no risk factors, and also because mine is not the typical cancer.

Again, don't assume you have cancer and live in dread and fear. For one thing, even if it turned out to be cancer, the panic would not do any good. For another, if it's not cancer, you've wasted a lot of emotional energy. Admittedly the waiting can be the hardest part! But you've proven yourself wise and proactive just by having found this website and researching possibilities before you even know what the dx is. That attitude and effort bodes well for your healing, whatever the dx may be.

Bravo! on the no-smoking triumph. smile Celebrate each day you win the battle and remember that we are cheering you on and supporting your great success.

Ruth

Ruth E. Moran
dx minor salivary gland adenocarcinoma 4/99, resection 5/99;
rec 1 lymph 2 cm 7/03, mod. rad. neck resec. 7/03;
rec primary 10/05, resec, pec flap, PEG tube, IMRT 2&3/06, Osteonecrosis right mandible removed
1/08 metastatic lung cancer, 3/08 clinical trial MD Anderson