The doctors found my primary tumor at the base of my tongue by using this scope that went down my nose. They took out my tonsils when they biopsied what they think is the tumor along with about six other spots in my throat and mouth. I will get those results in a few more days. I asked my oncologist if the radiation would be more painful than having my tonsils out and he said yes, but I don't believe him!!! Is your tumor HPV positive? Mine is. I think just like Michael Douglas. Will that get me a spot on Letterman?!! -Michelle

SCC left tonsil, stage IV, HPV+, metastatic to one lymph node. Biopsy 12/23/10; tonsillectomy 1/13/11; DX 1/25/11; Peg in 1/28/11. Peg out 6/29. TX 1/31/11-3/21/11: 35 IMRT plus 3 Cisplatin. Pet-Scan 6/20/11 = CLEAR! Three years out, learning to live with the long-term side effects of radiation while reminding myself to feel blessed.