Thank you SO MUCH, guys! Jen, what you said about contacting the local ACS really makes sense!!! I had gone through the motions 2 years ago (original dx/treatment), but never followed through.
I guess I've just got to accept the facts at face value- that my family just doesn't have time or patience to deal with this major change in me at this time. When I see them (inevitably, at Christmas), I'll get TONS of "pained looks" and "ohhhh, I'm so sorry; call me if I can do anything" type of responses. My "new face" will no doubt take more than a few of them by surprise- out of sight, out of mind, right?
I just wish that IT DIDN'T HURT SO BADLY!!! I can understand mentally how people turn away from something that scares them and reminds them of their own mortality, but EMOTIONALLY it's like putting burning coals on my (already wretched) heart.
THANK GOD for my few good friends and this website!!
Gordon

SCC right tonsil Dx 14 Feb 03
No surg till Apr 03
Lip resection Sep 05 "frankenface"
Recurr Apr 10
2/3 tongue removed Jun 10
SPEECH/SWALLOW/DROOL challenges FUN!
Dec 10 Tumor @ nodes/larynx/cart artery growing
Erbitux Mar 11 Hyoid bone regrows!?
recur Dec 12
begin taxo chemo
10yrs-still kickin!