Hello All,

It's been a little over a year since I found this wonderful site. I am grateful for the support and wisdom that I have gained from my friends at OCF. With Dad's initial diagnosis, I was terrified as we all are. Once I became a little more educated about his diagnosis, I could better focus on helping my Dad with his battle and I was confidant that he would beat this. He did!! He got throught the radiation very well and showed amazing determination and courage. In September, a CT showed a small mass on his left lung. Initially we were told it was found early, but after further testing it was also found in a couple nodes (not related to the oral cancer). This time, we were absolutely terrified. I knew this was a different battle with a very agressive approach with more radiation and now chemotherapy. Dad really did not want the chemo, but he knew it would be all or nothing. We all just resolved to get through this together and we never talked about "statistics". Dad got through the radiation like a champ. After a two week break, he began his chemotherapy on Mar. 16th. Sadly, it hit him hard and his heart could not take this new course of action (he had lived with Angina for years). We lost him on Mar. 23rd - we really didn't even know what had hit us. We were absolutely blindsided - I'm still in shock. Mom is staying with me and my family, and will continue to do so for as long as she wants. I like having her close - it allows us to heal together.

I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and wisdom. I will be back, once in a "blue moon" - you will always have a special place in my heart. Remember to say a prayer for Dad..........