Hello friends,

My CT scan wasn't what we were hoping for so the treatment is going to be more than I expected. I have such crappy luck. There are three areas of cancer, one lymph node under my jaw on the right side, two areas in the retropharyngeal area with one being quite far back. My doc isn't sure he can get to that one area so is doing an ultrasound next week and also a needle biopsy of areas on my thyroid. He said he can't tell from the scan if they are cancer or not. Of course he'll biopsy all the areas, but he told me he's very sure the three areas I mentioned are cancer.

He is suggesting surgery first, then do some gamma knife radiation along with some chemo. He's always been honest with me and told me that he's FAR from ready to throw in the towel, he told me he can get this and for me to beef up for the battle. Of course I'll do just that.

Really odd for me this time, I'm almost numb to all of it. I've resigned myself to accept whatever this cancer sends me and it's a really good place to be to be honest. It allows me to live a normal life amidst all of it. I went to two softball games and cheered my heart out, this a half hour after talking to the doc about the results. I've made peace with the fact that this cancer just might kill me, not that I'm giving up or anything, but accepting all of it has brought me to such a good place being in the position I'm in.

I'll keep everyone posted on what's happening.

Love to all,
Minnie

SCC Left Mandible. Jaw replaced with bone from leg. Neck disection, 37 radiation treatments. Recurrence 8-28-07, stage 2, tongue. One third of tongue removed 10-4-07. 5-23-08 chemo started for tumor behind swallowing passage, Our good friend and much loved OCF member Minnie has been lost to the disease (RIP 10-29-08). We will all miss her greatly.