You see I had developed what is called base of tongue cancer a nasty, slow growing tumor that I hadn't noticed at all. In fact the only hint that there was anything wrong with me was a swollen lymph gland on my neck. But with lightning speed my ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor got me into the hospital for an x-ray and scheduled a CT scan of my neck.

That's when the concept of this Web site was born. CT scan, PET scan, PEG tube, porta-cath, chemo-radiation and a whole bunch of other terms were thrown at me as though I had successfully completed six years of post-graduate medical training. And with each new procedure my medical team ordered up....my stress levels began to build. 

My stress was brought on in part by fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of what each test or treatment would feel, sound, smell and look like. Looking back, none of the tests should have been feared...save for the unknown. 

Twelve months later, I was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma on my back. For three years we thought we were in the clear, then in June of 2005 it showed up again. The melanoma link will take you to that story.

That's where I'm going with this site. I've tried to compile a list of tests and treatments that you might face as a cancer patient. Wherever possible I've included pictures as I experienced them. Sure, there will be instances where the equipment looks different at your cancer center but you should gain a general idea of what to expect from what you'll see here. 

Good luck to you. Drop me a line if you have comments/questions  or if you have treatments or tests that should be added to this site at JFDurocher@comcast.net