Amy,

Unfortunately, delayed diagnoses like yours happen all too often, which is why it's so important to continue to get the word out about early detection. I was told over and over again by my dentist and my PCP that the suspicious (and painful) area on my tongue was nothing serious and that it would likely resolve itself. When I insisted on seeing a specialist, I was referred to an oral pathologist at a major dental school who categorically told me that it couldn't possibly be cancer because it hurt and because as a non-smoker I didn't fit the oral cancer risk profile. I finally ended up getting to an oral surgeon who did recognize the seriousness of it, and quickly performed a biopsy, which led to the start of my treatment.

My surgery was somewhat different from yours, so I can't comment specifically on what your response might be. However, most of us here who have had surgery have found it much easier to deal with than radiation -- I know my tongue and neck were healing quite well within about 3 weeks after the surgery was done.

Keep us posted as you go along -- you'll continue to find lots of support here.

Cathy