Hi All!

I have been reading all of the postings, and have found them to be a combination of inspirational, eye opening, and depressing. I can't help but get teary eyed when I read some, but can gain strength from others. I will make comments on the different postings individually, but thought I should introduce myself before doing so.

My name is Mike and I currently live in Huntsville Alabama. I first discovered I had cancer when I noticed a sore spot on my tongue after returning from Iraq. This was in 2005. I had surgery and was told everything looked good and that they were lucky and had caught it early.

In 2007 I noticed that there was again a sore spot on my tongue, this time in the form of a small lump. I made an appointment and yes it had come back. Another surgery and again I was told that luckily I had found it early and they were able to remove it all.

Once I was given a clean bill of health I deployed to Iraq for another six months; only to discover a lump in my throat after four months. With my history they wasted no time and sent me home to see my Doctors. Two weeks after discovering it I was back in surgery, only this time it was my neck instead of my tongue. I know the tongue takes a while to heal, but thought the throat might mend a little quicker. This was not really the case, since the cancer had spread to the muscles they had to remove some. They were able to separate it from the nerves without removing any, but the procedure defiantly caused some strange twinges. I am healing but at a much slower pace than I expected. Five weeks after surgery my voice went out; not completely but it's like a husky whisper. They tell me that I have a paralyzed vocal cord that should come back on its own. If not they will see what the can do after I get done with the Radiation and Chemo. That should be starting in about two weeks. I have to have some "questionable" teeth pulled before starting. I am mentally preparing for the next phase, and all of the fun little side effects that I get to look forward to.

As others have stated I did not smoke or chew tobacco; and while I do enjoy a cold beer while shooting darts, I drink very little, not enough to be a contributing factor. I don't look at this as a punishment for something I may have done; instead I consider it a challenge. In fact I can't even complain because I always said if someone in my family got cancer I would prefer it to be me than to have to watch a family member go through this. While I may be able to think up some distant cousin to wish this on when I am suffering through a feeding tube; I feel my prayers were answered now.

Well that is my story, so if I comment on one of your postings, at least you have an idea of where I am coming from. I wish everybody the best and look forward to getting to know you all a little better.

Thanks
Mike

hi mike
nice to meet you,you have certainly had your more than fair share of this rotten disease haven't you.goodluck with your treatments and please keep us informed of your progress,any questions then one of us will have been through it and can advise you,we are also lucky to have dr joshi would can give you sound advise too.take care mike.love shirl xxx

Thank you for serving!! I am so sorry you have had and have cancer but am glad you found the site! Welcome

Welcome to our rather rubbish club Mike! I am scared and sorry to hear of your re-occuring problems. God luck with the rest of your treatment and keep us informed.

Love Chloex

Hi Mike, shame you had to join us but welcome. I hope the treatments go well. As everyone else has said, keep us updated. Respect for serving too. Hagg.

Welcome on board Mike!
It seems you are, at least, prepared for your difficult time to come. We're all here if you need any adviceor support. Good luck!
Michelle

Dear Mike, Welcome. You've already been through a lot and now you have to go through chemo and radiation too. For me, it seems like it went by fast as I am feeling much, much, better and I started the radiation and chemo around Nov. There is a very high success rate with this combination with this kind of cancer. My radiation doctor once wrote, "radiation is our friend". It won't be easy either, but we"re all here to support you.

Hi! Mike,
Should we welcome you to this club? unfortunately YES as even though we are members of a rather special club none of us really want to be members. You're ordeal is not one any of us wanted and yes we have put up with a load of crap.
The Forum however has been a great place to be able to vent our worst nightmares and as you would have read many of us have got through and are survivers, you may have read my Profile so I wo'nt go over it all again, all the members in this Forum are experienced in these feilds (Not neccesarily medically,)and are a very good sounding board.
Well hang in there Mike and "Stay Strong"
All the best TREV

Hi Mike, welcome to the group. You've found a great site here. It's full of amazing people, loads of info and big shoulders to lay your burdens on.

You sure have been through a lot with this disease, but I hope things get better with time.

Best wishes, Cricket