David,

Thanks for the encouragement. My dad has read all the postings and really has become more optomistic since reading all the posts from all the survivors. He has stage IV SCC with the primary lesion on the base of his tongue with mets to the right side of his neck from mandible to clavicle. The mass has grown since his first CT scan. He has voice hoarseness and neck pain and stiffness now. This site has been a godsend for our family since the ENT surgeon told us it was not operable at this time and treatment would only be palliative. What a blow to all of us. My dad is a very healthy 62 year old. He has obtained a 2nd opinion from another facility who is much more positive and he will start agressive chemo and radiation treatments tomorrow. Thank you for your words of encouragement and keep him in your prayers and you will certainly be in ours. I am so glad you are doing so well.

D'Arcy