Great news Charm. I'm happy for you.

There's no excuse for the ignorance, of course, but I think that cancer is so scary and unpredictable to many of us, that it might give someone a (false) sense of control if they think that you or someone else might have "caused" their cancer because of lifestyle issues. That means that if *they* don't do those things, they'll never get cancer! It's deluded and misguided, but understandable when you look at it this way. Patient explanations might help, but maybe not if the person's underlying emotion is fear. After Gordon's cancer and treatment, I worry more about him and myself, and actually catch myself thinking "now, if I don't do this or just do that, I won't get cancer". Luckily I know how wrongheaded this is, and would never say it to anyone else. Anne

Charm, that's wonderful! Hope you have a great holiday season with such good news. Anne

Charm,
Definately belongs on the "Don't you love it threat" or even "Friends" as you have so many including me here
Great that there is no evidence of cancer and hope it continues to remain that way.
Cheers
Gabriele

Fantastic news Charm. We are heading towards our 3 month check up for Steve on the 9th. The dread, fear, stress etc etc has started already. I so hate the week before appointments and the day of the appointment. Here's hoping our news is as good as yours. Angelia hoping for great news for yours as well.

Wendy

Okay, having hijacked a thread I started, I'll expand on Donna's comment. Don't you just hate how your mind conjures up a worst case scenario before those PETscans or MRIs or ENT checkups? and it appears to me that it's even worse for caregivers than patients. The stress that Wendy is feeling over Steve's test, that Suez is feeling over Ron's is even more poignant since they are caregivers. I know my wife actually worries more than I do about the cancer hitting me for a third time.
Yet as all the ones who congratulated me realize oh so well, what a great relief and good feeling it is when those worries don't warp into reality. I guess all the posts here on this thread are variations of don't you just hate it that we or a loved one got oral cancer.
Charm

My appt. It went okay, but he is scheduling another PET scan and took a full blood work up. I have a considerable amount of lower back pain. He did mention that it is possible for this stuff to spread to the bone, but very rare. Well, we all know I am in the category of very rare things happening. Will let you al know when I have some mroe answers.

Angeli,

did he say what it might be if it has not spread to the bone? My thoughts are with you during this time. Its so frustrating when we have no idea what is wrong. I hope you get some answers soon so you can start treating it and have some relief from the discomforts you are experiencing. Keep us posted.

Minh

OK I am finally going to post something here. It's been a long time. Don't you just hate it when your COBRA insurance runs out and the only insurance left available to you for purchase is a HIPPA policy and it actually costs more per month then the disability check you are receiving because you can no longer work. God forbid what do we have to do to survive while fighting this ugly disease and all the pieces of the new "Normal".

The Drs tell you that you are in a "weird group of people." I know they are joking around, but I am now starting to get tired of hearing it. Today I was told I was perplexing. I just grin an bear it. Guess I should let them know that I do not like them saying that. I was joking aorund with them about it, but now I just wish I would be like all their other cases so they would know what to do.