I have read a number of the posts from forum members and have found them heart wrenching and emotional.  I always get a little sad at this time of year as 10 years ago, I was in the midst of a very different jourmey.  I was diagnosed with throat cancer in October 2006 and had a radical neck dissection on the 1st December.  It was a very traumatic time for me and all of my family to whom I will be eternally grateful.  After surgery I had acute swelling around the left hand side of my face and neck and this took several months to even begin to reduce.  I had 30 fractions of radiotherapy which has resulted in the left side of my tongue having little or no sensation even to this day.  I am delighted to say I can speak very well and clearly and although I used to be the fastest eater in the world I can only eat at a normal pace now.  I could spend a very long time talking about the treatmemt I had etc and the depths of despair I felt.  However it is fast approaching the 10 year mark for me and for once my gratitude is at the forefront of my mind.  I hope this is where many of the people on this forum find themselves in the future.