Gordon
I know it is hard to feel like you can go out in public and feel like a freak. I felt that way after my surgery. I hid my drains the best I could when I went to get them out. The staple necklace I had was still visible and some people noticed and some people didn't. I am still stiff & swollen from the neck dissection I had Sept. 2. I am just not as swollen as I was when I left the hospital.

As others have said on this forum measure progress in weeks or bi-weeks not days. We have our whole life ahead of us to get better. The scars will fade. The road my not be as smooth as we would like, I tell myself that if I'm on the rough and rocky road that I'm going the right way.

Family members can be the toughest on us. I tried to please everyone and took what they told me to take (the herbal stuff, and lots of other things that cured cancer) One told me that I would die getting the radiation because he had a friend that happened to. Well his friend happened to have smoked & drank for over 40 years what do you expect? Then when I decided to have my neck dissection I was told I was stupid and my doctor was a quack and all he wanted was to make money!!!!

My doctor was very patient with me making my decisions. But I'm glad I did what I did. I had to give it all I had to be sure I did everything to get rid of this disease. And when the test came back that there wasn't any cancer in the nodes then they were right. But it is my body and they didn't have to go through what I did. They didn't have the worry. We are not a close family (My sister is though and very supportive and understanding through all this.)

I would be there for them if I could and I know it is tough when family doesn't visit. It has amazed me on how many people cared and showed this after they found out and they I call are my family. We all have to look out for each other. That is what makes the world go round!!

Gordon I hope that things wiil get better. Keep posting and we will be glad to be there for you.
Take care
Love
Terry