Well,this confirms what the doctors have suspected. I know finally, actually hearing the words is shocking, depressing, and overwhelming. If you are feeling anything less, you would not be normal. Hopefully this is where your last ten days of planning and information gathering is going to pay off, as it helps you get right into the treatment process with many of your options already sorted out in your mind.

Please know that all of us here will be with you for the next few months as you go through the process. I hope you get a sense that the people posting here have not only been through the emotional, but the physical challenges before you you. But more than that, what I want you to take away from that knowledge, is that it is a passable path. Were still here after all the crap. With determination, good doctors, and a bit of luck, you too one day will look back at this in your rearview mirror.

Keep the faith. Try to stay positive even though there will be overwhelming times when it is not possible to stay out of the dark place. Deal with each day and don't worry about the next. Take them and the challenges one at a time. We'll be here when the questions arise or the desire to vent presents itself.


Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.