Hey Tink222, thank you for sharing your story.

Well, things are progressing for me. My cancer has been confirmed through biopsy, but I'm still waiting to see if it's HPV/P16 in origin. That is one of two things that keep me awake at night ( used Larazapam last night & it got me through the night without interruption ). The other worry I have is the existence of three small nodules in my right lungs, and a 3-4" mass in my liver. These anomalies were found during a thoracic Cat Scan that I requested be done. I was told I am Stage 3, due to the cancer spreading to a regional lymph node in my neck; now I'm concerned the cancer has spread to my lung and liver. My medical specialists have given me other reasons for the existence of these anomalies in my organs, and I'm trying to remain optimistic that the MRI on my liver that I'm scheduled for will prove that mass to be something benign. They said they would monitor the lung nodules on an ongoing basis, but no specific / immediate investigation of those anomalies is scheduled.
So...my E.N.T. has referred me to an Oral Surgeon at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. That day I will meet all the wonderful folks who will do their best to treat my ills. In the meantime, it's "hurry up & wait" once again...

Warm Regards,
DSD