Brian,
Although I completely agree with you that the young lady should go to Memorial Sloan Kettering, I do have a question about speed. Obviously you want to find out whether or not you have cancer ASAP, for peace of mind. But how quickly does a tumor grow? After my biopsy was positive, MD Anderson still took their time getting the ducks in a row...I saw the dentist, met with all of the multidisciplinary team, had all the scans, had the mask made, etc. and did not start treatment for almost a month after diagnosis. So my question is...how critical is it that treatment be immediate?

Desiree...I know how you feel. Before I was diagnosed I went to an ENT who prescribed a barium swallow to see if I had reflux. One of my closet friends is a radiologist who did the swallow and Xrays on a Sat. morning. First of all there was some difficulty at the hospital getting the slides processed. Then when my friend looked at them and saw the tumor, he kind of dodged me for the rest of the weekend until Sunday night and I was freaking out wondering whether I had cancer or not. Although I am twice your age I was healthy and did not smoke or drink either. The waiting and wondering is the hardest part. Those of us who have been diagnosed tend to be pretty calm...but those who are wondering are bouncing off the walls.
Best of luck with your situation. I echo what Brian said...I have heard nothing but good things about Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Danny G.