Hi Christy, I very sorry to hear about your heartbreaking news. But for the grace of God any one of us could be in the same circumstances. To answer some of your questions, first about "poorly differentiated". This definition from the NCI dictionary:

"differentiation In cancer, refers to how mature (developed) the cancer cells are in a tumor. Differentiated tumor cells resemble normal cells and tend to grow and spread at a slower rate than undifferentiated or poorly differentiated tumor cells, which lack the structure and function of normal cells and grow uncontrollably."

Is a popular misconception that cancer cells divide at a faster rate than normal cells. What cancer cells do differently from normal cells is that their growth can be "uncontrolled" which means it will spread invasively to many different anatomical structures and tissue types.

I am speculating here but at this point the biopsy will determine what palliative care treatment options she will have.

The lump could a sign lymph node involvement which would be consistent with a "poorly differentiated" cancer. From what you have said in earlier posts it sounds to me like the cancer has been there for quite a while. One of the tragic things about SCC is that it is usually undetected until it is quite advanced. One of Brian's main focus these days is education in the area of early detection, which have proved successful in many other forms of cancer.

How long she will live depends on many factors. General health, attitude, will to live, the palliative care treatment may extend her life as well. Your oncologists should be able to advise you here. Some have been given weeks and lived years, others, months and lived days.

You asked for honesty - I wish I could say something to give you more hope.

I will keep you, your Grandma and family in my prayers,