Thank you everybody. Yesterday I was full of banter and gallows humour - today not so much, the reality is setting in.
Found Sheep - I have a lot of confidence in the consultant I met yesterday, he has dealt with the same condition many times and came across as very confident without a hint of arrogance. I will be asking a lot of questions about his surgical track record before I sign any consent forms. I haven't met my oncologist yet but the hospital has a good reuptation as a regional speciality centre. It will involve 5 journeys per week for 6 weeks each of around 100 miles round trip. I haven't solved that challenge yet. I have been assigned a specialist nurse who is available for a chat all the time if I have any questions or concerns.
PSacramento - Thanks, I'm sure your advice about staying physically fit is important. I have just very recently had to give up football coaching to conserve some energy for work but I intend to stay very active. In fact I will probably err on the side of trying to do too much. I have to admit to being a skeptic regarding alternative medecine but I will keep an open mind. The treatment plan makes sense. I have done a lot of research and I am comfortable that it is a good plan. At least 1 lymph node is also involved thus the radio and chemo prior to surgery. Everything I have read is unanimous that there is ulitmatley no alternative to surgery for my condition but I am soaking up new facts and information about it all the time.
Shanagirl - Your positive experience means a lot thank you. I'm really encouraged to hear you are winning.