Hi Renee;

Take it from me, I waited for more than a year and it almost cost me my life. No kidding - I was so stupid thinking the lumps (growing daily) on my neck would just go away with time, but I was so wrong. Yeah, they finally went away all right, but I could have avoided a lot of pain and anguish throughout the ordeal.

You know what - instead of going to see the doctor about my sore throat, I grew a full beard to hide those two growths that were now the size of small compact automobiles. Talk about feeling stupid! So I made a deal with myself that should I survive my Stage IV cancer and beat the odds, I would scream "DON'T WAIT TO INVESTIGATE" from every rooftop in the land. Which is what I am doing now with you.

Renee - please help me achieve that objective. Make an appointment with a doctor you trust or simply get it started with a trip to the walk-in clinic; that's what I did.

As far as the money is concerned, I don't know where you live (I'm in Canada), but I am certain you will have no problem getting the care you require now, with any financial arrangments to follow. In my experience, cancer people think a lot differently than other health professionals about some of the fine details like money. Its nothing to worry about. As Mick Jagger once said, you may not get what you want, but you get what you need!

You were being very brave when you contacted this website. Keep that bravery going. What you see here and now is what you will get; caring, dedicated, knowledgeable & helpful people who have been exactly where you are now - and they will be at your side right the way through. Straight goods.

It was easy to sense the apprehension in your words, and I am sure I speak for all when I say that we'd all want to hold your hand if it were physically possible. But the mental link is just as strong and just as encouraging, so reach out and take us with you. Its not as difficult as you might think. Remember, there is nothing to fear but the fear itself; once that is behind you, the path becomes remarkably clear and unobstructed. All you really need to do to convince yourself of what I speak is to read the many posts of other people who were scared just like you when they first contacted this website, and then their follow-up posts which all show tremendous relief. Check it out!

What's left to do? Just go and do the right thing. You know what it is, and the moment it is done, be sure to post the details on this website..... and try not to keep us waiting too long. It just wouldn't be the right thing to do now that we're watching out for 'ya

We look forward to your earliest reply...

JT2