Hi Everyone,
Thank you for your warm and wonderful replies. I got some good news on Friday--The cancer is stage 1. I have an appt this coming Friday with the radiation oncologist to see if he recommends radiation, but I don't need chemo and right now they're thinking I'm just going to need the partial glossectomy. I'll keep you all posted.

Jerry: It's funny you ask about the CCC because, I live about 20 minutes out of Boston and my nuero is in Boston and I'm one of the people that usually make a big deal about having renowned hospitals right in our backyard so it's ridiculous not to take advantage of them---However, as I've gotten older, I've learned to trust my intuition about people (and almost 20 years with a chronic illness has taught me a great deal about advocating for myself) and I just feel super comfortable with the energy of my surgeon--and the ENT (along with the fact that a close friend works in the local hospital in which they are based and they both have very good reputations)

Pete: Unfortunatly, the protocols for the Tysabri are very strict. They fastracked it through FDA approval once and then the company voluntarily withdrew it due to some deaths--they re-released it, but under VERY strick guidelines and honestly, I think there are alot of unknowns regarding long term treatment with it. So, If anyone has a major health issue (other than MS) they won't allow them on the Tysabri again because, they don't know for sure, if they Tysabri caused it. For all we know--in 10 years, when they look at the reporting, they could see a trend of Oral cancer in individuals who have been on Tysabri over 3 years-- no one knows. I knew their were unknowns when I decided to do it--and honestly, it made such a difference in my quality of life with the MS--I would continue with the treatments if they would let me...

Be well,
Michele