Well mom had a biopsy done on a spot in her mouth where she had an ulcer removed back in 2012. The test came back as cancerous cells. We go Monday afternoon to meet with Dr. Morlandt at UAB's Kirkland Clinic in downtown B'ham. He's an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. She has a test scheduled at 1:30pm, then meeting the Dr. at 3pm to hear the results of the 1:30pm test and determine a path forward. Mom is 79 years old and has been battling rheumatoid arthritis since the mid-80's. The RA has taken its toll on her. She said the pain in her mouth/jaw area is a totally different type of pain than the RA. The good thing though is that she has given this burden over to the Lord and is trusting in Him to see her through this. My hope is that the cancer won't be too bad (and be treatable). My concern is that she will be strong enough to endure the surgery/treatment. Dad passed away back in 2010, and mom has lived on her own since then. She independent and tough (did I mention that she's also a U.S. Marine?!!!?)... Anyway, y'all keep Jeanette in your prayers.

Thanks.

>>UPDATE<<

Well we spent all afternoon at the UAB Kirkland Clinic in downtown B'ham. I was very impressed with the Dr. and staff there. Very professional, yet also with great bedside manners. Anyway, mom has stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma. They said that 90% of the patients they see have this kind of cancer. The cancer has not spread to her neck, chest, or lymph nodes. With that said, when she has surgery to remove the cancerous area in her mouth they will also remove the lymph nodes in her neck as a precaution. Surgery will be scheduled after a cardiologist clears mom for surgery. Still lots to do here, but this report was much better than I was expecting. I'm very thankful to the good Lord above for this not being any worse than it is, and that mom accepted the information from the doctor with a cool head and calm spirit. I'm also very grateful to everyone here for their thoughts and prayers. For now we are in a sort of holding pattern until all boxes are checked to clear the way for surgery at UAB.