Knowledge is power! Once they have made a diagnosis, things will move very quickly and you need to know what your options are before they start -that's one good reason to hang out on the site (as scary as it might be). And believe me -we are all praying for you that it's nothing more than a benign little bump. I can't speak for Brian but I am sure that he, like the rest of us would like to see everyone survive this horrible disease. We have been where you are -we care about you and want you to have a successful outcome -wherever you go for treatment. Hang out here long enough and you will read the heart wretching letters from the caregivers whose spouses did not make it. I call them "convincers" - a reminder just how serious this disease is and why we fight the good fight. When I first found the site I had just been diagnosed and, like you, it scared the crap out of me. After the shock wore off I used the site to gain knowledge that changed the course of my treatment and certainly made a huge difference in the quality of life that I am enjoying at the moment and in the future. These days one must be their own advocate when it comes to treatment options. I have made many friends here who have helped me immensely to get through this. I think that the reason there was so much discussion about where to get treated is that there ARE some folks who visit here who are truly clueless. I wouldn't put you in that category. I am looking forward to hearing a positive (good) outcome on your biopsy report and will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Gary
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SCC, Stage III, Right Tonsil