Dear all, especially new people who don't know what lies ahead...I wanted to share with you, my good friends bonded by this terrible disease, that I had PET/CT scans today in preparation for my 3-year checkup next week. The scans were perfectly normal! I had extensive surgery to remove 1/3 of my upper jaw and about a third of my hard palate, but I didn't have either radiation or chemo. I hope that news of my good fortune helps others to realize that this disease CAN be conquered. I will be vigilant forever, of course, and I realize that 3 years is not as comfortable a milestone as 5 years, but for now, I am thrilled! XO--Colleen

Colleen--T-2N0M0 SCC dx'd 12/28/05...Hemi-maxillectomy, partial palatectomy, neck dissection 1/4/06....clear margins, neg. nodes....no radiation, no chemo....Cancer-free at 4 years!