Hi to all,

Lenny, hang in there!

I had three surgeries in a month's time. Removed lump left side of neck, then left tonisilectomy and the radical neck dissection on 11/21/05. Lump in neck was a secondary cancer (Sqaumous stage 3) site mastasis to the juguler lymph node and the left tonsil was the primary site so they done a radical neck dissection. RNS was a difficult surgery but I was up and out of bed walking approximately two after the surgery. I was in the hospital for four days at my own request due to the drain tube. I didn't want to deal with it at home. Have gotten along fine. However, my surgery site is also very hard and I'm working with a physical therapist to help with the scar tissue and to regain strength in my left arm. My strength is getting better all the time. They keep telling me they got it all. I'm going through radiation now for at least 25 treatments and possibly up to 30 (6000 rads total). I just hope and pray that it is gone and stays gone. I'm 49 yrs old and not ready for life to be over. I feel for the 20 year old having to deal with such a terrible disease at a young age. Hang in there!! God will get her through it. He is the main reason I'm fighting the battle. Karla