Hi KimbelyAnn,

I'm really sorry you have to go through this in the first place, and having so little information makes it more scary.

I get that you Physician is a top-notch guy, but I'm still going to strongly suggest that you get a second opinion, and get it from an oral cancer specialist!

You should discuss these issues that are confusing to you, with this guy. Also, is UPMC a CCC (Comprehensive Cancer Care Facility?) If not, please try to ensure that you get your second opinion from someone from a CCC; you want someone who does nothing but Cancer and not someone who sees one or two Cancer patients per year. The reasoning behind this suggestion should be obvious. Please do this, and don't waste time doing so!

My final bit of advice is to recognize that Doctors are people, and will tell you things that they feel you should know, and withhold things that they don't think it would be useful for you to know. Just like people in all walks of life.

My point here is that you must be careful not to be overawed with the Doctor's credentials, where you are concerned, what matters is how well he meets YOUR needs. Do not be reluctant to be demanding, if the occasion calls for it!

Knowing this, make sure that YOU ask the doctor to explain any matter that is confusing to you, and don't let him (or her) rush off to another patient until YOU are satisfied the question has been answered to YOUR satisfaction!

I'm not kidding here, this is life and death business, and it's YOUR life that is affected. Take charge, kick @$$ and take names and be a force of good for your life's sake.

Good luck, KimberllyAnn, and forget the Gipper, go out there and will one for the KimberlyAnn!

Bart