12 hours is fairly common for this type of procedure. Some have even longer times on the table. Even cosmetic plastic surgery procedures can take 12 hours or more. Most of us are in our mid 50's (or I was at Dx). Trust me - you'll make it. Being scared comes with the territory get some help for that - and don't forget to breath...

Gary Allsebrook
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Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
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"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)