Dear M-L, You are right on- the recurrence is more frightening than the original diagnosis. I think that is because the 1st time we feel that this disease can most certainly be beat. If it comes back within a short period of time, it shakes us to the core. It's like fighting a big fire and putting a section out- only to see it spring to life in another area. I wish you and David the best luck with this surgery. You've got stay strong for your kids and David. Amy