Eilish, I've heard the incidence is growing in younger people and there have been several posters in their 20's or early 30's on this forum. Jack is not a youngster, he was 55 when diagnosed, but his tumor was positive for the HPV 16 virus and he's a non smoker too.

If you do a search on this forum you will find a lot of information on this viral connection. For us it answered the why question. Perhaps this is something you could look into.

It's very unnerving to be diagnosed with such a serious illness at a young age. This is not what you expect to be dealing with and frankly it seems more unfair than for those of us that have had those extra years. Unfortunately, cancer is an equal opportunity illness and HNC is on the rise.

There isn't a good reason on why some people get to deal with things and some do not - at any age. It just happens and it can make us stronger or bitter - our choice. In the end there are no guarantees in life, and we need to make the most of every day we have.

I hope that the HBO treatments are helping and that you're going to be done with this cancer for good. Where are those stupid leprechauns when you really need them?

Regards JoAnne