In the spring of 2004, returning to the US from our cruise to The Bahamas, I discovered a lump on the left side of my throat.  I was eventually diagnosed with metastatic squamous neck cancer with occult primary.

The prognosis was not especially rosy.

To deal effectively with the disease I needed to remain upbeat.  To do so I'd need the support of family and friends.  I decided to be extremely open and communicative about my situation to avoid awkward interactions with those folks. What follows are the series of e-mails I sent to friends and family to keep them up-to-date.

The good news … at this writing, Thanksgiving 2005, I'm a year into complete remission and I feel great!

It is my hope that my story will be read by others in similar situations and that it will help them face the ordeal.

Finally, I want thank my family and friends, my physicians and their staffs and especially my wife, Sandy.  Without their support I may not have made it through the ordeal.  Their cards, prayers and their understanding support all helped immeasurably.

Bill Stine