Lori, I also was on the lucky side with no chemo/rads. The thought of recurrence always lurks, but I try to shove it to the back of mind, as to be frank, there is nothing I can do other than follow the doc's directions. It does get better over time, but a sore mouth/throat will definitely throw everything into question.

I was surprised to see you had so many biopsies/ultrasounds post surgery. I expect that contributes to the issue. I go every 3 months for a scope/checkup, and always get stressed a couple of days before, so if you have so many appointments, your brain doesn't get a chance to chill out. Is there a way to structure it so you're not constantly going? Has your doc told you that at a certain point the appointment frequency will reduce?


Tina
Diag: Aug. 13/12
T3N0M0
50% + glossectomy and bilateral radical neck dissection, removal of nodes zones I - V
Surgery October 11/12
Chemo/rad on hold due to clear margins and nodes
Sept 21/13 clear CT with anomaly thought to be the artery, being watched closely.
Dec 16/13 - anomaly confirmed artery, all clear
nickname: "get 'r done"
Plans: kick cancer's butt