Hello everyone.

[I'm cross-posting this from the Introduce Q&A forum.]

I was a light-medium smoker for 18 years (I'm now 35) and a regular drinker for the past six or seven. Two years ago, during a routine dental exam, a patch of leukoplakia was discovered on the left underside of my tongue. A biopsy was performed and the pathology showed neither cancer nor dysplasia.

And, for whatever reason, I continued smoking and drinking.

This May, my dentist recommended I have my wisdom teeth removed. Because the oral surgeon who would so this procedure is also the one who did the previous biopsy, and since two years had passed, another biopsy was recommended when I went for a consult on the wisdom removal. The results of this biopsy were given to me on 15 June: "There's cancer in there" he said -- squamous cell carcinoma.

Like many when they hear the word, I took it as a death sentence, particularly since I lost a co-worker of similar age and with the same diagnosis only nine months ago.

After CTs of the head/neck and chest, and a PET from the top of my head to my knees, it appeared the cancer was localized and I had surgery 18 July: partial glossectomy (left anterior) and selective neck dissection. I left the hospital two days later and spent a week with a numb tongue, a liquid diet, a very stiff neck, and a drain I feared I would accidentally pull out.

Fortunately, the pathology of both tongue and lymphs showed no signs of cancer, only dysplasia in the tongue (a bit odd, but sometimes the biopsy gets it all). I will meet with a radiation oncologist next week to determine if radiation therapy is recommended, but it likely will not be. I will have monthly follow-ups for a year, and less-frequent follow-ups for three, five, or ten years after.

While I sound a bit different when I talk, I'm understood by everyone and many don't even notice a difference. Eating isn't too bad, though it is a bit tougher with the tongue-tip sensitivity I've had the past three-four days.

It would appear that I am extremely fortunate. Still, it is early in my treatment/recovery, cancers can recur, and I could of course be hit by a bus tomorrow. So, I appreciate each day I get -- and accompany them with fruits/vegetables instead of tobacco/alcohol.

I haven't spent a great deal of time on these forums, but in the time I have I've been introduced to some extremely good-natured and courageous people. Their courage and outlook have helped fear and pessimism took over. I wish all of you quick recovery and good health.

Welcome LaJoGi...

I do hope you will not need radiotherapy... although, if it is recommended, you will receive lots of excellent practical tips and advice via this forum and get through it just fine.

Your posting reveals a great attitude and positive outlook. We all know that is a MUST in the battle against cancer, particularly when going through the difficulties of treatment.

My very BEST to you!

Melanie