It's been rather hectic since I was diagnosed.
First I was told it was probably just my tongue, easy peasy, surgery and I'd be good.
Then I had a PET scan and something lit up in my neck. So then I had a CT (CAT?) scan and apparently there are 3 abnormal lymph nodes on the left side of my neck. So the ENT told me treatment would likely be a double approach, either surgery and radiation or chemo and radiation. I've been added to the tumor board at the local hospital but they don't meet for another week.
I decided it was time for a second opinion. Or two. I've got two appointments tomorrow in Boston, one at Tufts with a head and neck specialist and one at Mass General.
But when I talked to the ENT today, he said something about using all three types of treatment because this 'can be' aggressive in young women.

I feel like this is a conspiracy. That's probably just denial but, really? From surgery and it being in the 'early stage' to possibly needing all three and going to see this doctor and this doctor and this doctor and this other doctor and this dentist also and this doctor.

Why is the approach to dealing with cancer so fear mongering? I'm not trying to devalue what people have fought through but it just seems insane to me that instead of curing a disease, long debilitating and costly treatment is the go to answer.

I started getting really mad last night trying to fall asleep convincing myself that I don't know if they're telling me the truth or not. (That truly does seem quite silly when I write it down...) When the doctor says that you have cancer, it seems innate to follow his instructions and do as he says but I need to understand more about this. I need legitimate sources of information about diagnosis and treatment.

Has anyone felt this way? Am I just in denial or is there a possibility that cancer is big business for the medical industry and blind acceptance is the patients only role? How do I fight for my right to seek alternative treatments? What are alternative treatments? Why are they alternative!?

I'm quite thankful for this board. Thank you to everyone for your guidance and support through all of this.