Positive news!

I just got home from U of C and I am very anxious to share what I've learned.  The CT scan of my neck shows that the lymph node has actually gotten smaller! I just had a bad infection.  So, with that news the next step is to take the PET scan (full body) this Friday.  My surgeon is VERY confident that the PET scan will come back as negative for cancer cells. However, if for some reason the lymph node lights up and comes back positive, I will be scheduled for surgery the following Wednesday (Jan. 12) to take out the lymph node.  If I go through with the surgery and the lymph node is removed they will biopsy it right there to find out whether or not to do a complete neck dissection. As of right now, I am feeling very optimistic and confident that we will get good news on Friday. I'm ready either way.

I still am experiencing quite a bit of pain in my throat.  Today I learned that what I've got going on in there is the equivalent of first degree burns.  No wonder it hurts. 

The surgeon told us that she'll call me with the results sometime Friday late afternoon or early evening. Once I find out, I'll share the news.