Hello everyone,

So I have been thinking for a long time whether to say what is going on or not, and for a while I was feeling like keeping it private, but I guess that I have changed my mind today. I am probably feeling depressed about the birthday and the whole situation.
Long story short, I was diagnosed with stage 3 tonsilar cancer (for medical people it is squamous cell carcinoma) about 6 weeks ago. It is stage 3 because it has spread to lymph nodes in the neck (they have found only one certain one for now, but it could be more). I have had a major surgery (radical tonsillectomy and selective neck dissection) exactly a month ago to remove the primary cancer. I will start radiation therapy in about two weeks or so. For now doctors say no chemo, which I am conflicted about: it is good because I am very slim and not sure if my body would be able to tolerate it but on the other hand it is bad because chemo is the only thing that could treat any cancerous cells that may have spread past the neck.
On the top of everything. since I do work for the federal government, most of people from my institution have been furloughed, including myself.
I have no family in the USA or a SO so I feel pretty much very alone going through all of this. On the other hand I have been incredibly lucky to have some wonderful friends and work colleagues (including my boss) who have been very helpful, supportive and understanding through this whole ordeal.
Obviously, I am terrified, and trying to stay positive and take it one day at a time but it is really hard. I guess today being my birthday is particularly difficult day.
Thanks for reading this, I miss you guys a lot.