Dear Noemi,

My prayers are right there with you. Hang in there and know that the odds are against your having oc. Just try to stay calm while you wait, because--as you know from your brother's experience--each day is its own gift. So don't throw away those days until you hear the news. Regardless of what may be going on, the fact is that ALL we have is right now. That is what counts. I know you don't need me to tell you that, but I just thought that maybe reading it would help you keep today at the forefront of your activities.

So stop for a few minutes and count those blessings you can celebrate, okay? And please keep us posted! We are all keeping our fingers, toes, and legs crossed for you!!!

Good luck, and enjoy your holiday weekend!!!

Non-smoker non-drinker, 50 when diagnosed 9/11/06 stage IV scc of oropharnyx, malignant lymph nodes both sides of neck. Cause=HPV16. Daily chemo & daily IMRT for 7 weeks. In 2 clinical trials at Johns Hopkins, good results. Peg tube out March 07. Update September 2014: gratefully in good health!