Cancer recurrence isn't exactly like a recurrence of the flu. I been here a while and seen too many people die from recurrences. Frankly it scares the crap out of me (and fuels the saying "you can be cancer free - but you are never free from cancer"). And we haven't even touched upon distant mestastesis threats. It's not in my nature to sugarcoat anything. I am a patient advocate and "Feel good" crap is not part of my charter. This is a deadly disease and the survival odds aren't exactly the greatest, nor have they substantially improved in the last 10 years. There are 28,000 new cases every year and 9,000 deaths. I die a little inside every time sometime dies here - it's like a little piece of me dies with them (Heather, Gail, Dinah, Marcy, Packer and many others names are permanently imprinted in my brain.. Have you ever wondered why there are only a handful of regular posters on this board or why so many of the original posters are not here anymore?

I don't know if Gino is facing a life and death situation but he is facing a decision that could ultimately determine his life or death. Too many times I have seen people attempt or rationalize to take the easy way out, either by the "convenience of the local hospital" (not having to travel to a CCC), or believing a surgeon about clean margins. Or afraid of radiation side effects (and it does have side effects) All cancers start out with one mutated cell -that's all it takes. Microbiology 101.

When you've been around here long enough and watched the death toll on a regular basis (and some of these are far more courageous than I could ever hope to be). I guess my real fear is that I won't be able die with the same dignity, courage and fortitude that I have seen here. Was my comment meant to be "deterministic"? I am not a doctor - all I have is 3 years of experience and observation for whatever that's worth. Was it meant to be FOOD FOR THOUGHT? - yes indeed.

I want to see everybody survive this horrible disease and that includes Gino. Sometimes peoples intentions need to be tested.

And yes it IS necessary to kick people in the ass from time to time (but it is is a well intentioned kick).

The reality is that none of us are going to be given back our original life span before we had cancer. We have only been given some time.

Gino, I commend you for taking the bull by the horns and getting the best medical advice you can get. You know that I'm pulling for you and if there is anything I can do for you - I'm there.

Amy - you may wish to re-read all of my posts in this thread - I didn't suggest any particular treatment to Gino. If you are going to criticize me please get your facts straight.