Thanks for the compliments on the signature -- I catch on quickly. The list of abbreviations in the forum helped tremendously, too!

Jim -- I was more fortunate than anything else. The spot on my tongue hurt and by the time I saw the oral surgeon I was so terrified by everything I'd seen on the internet there was NO WAY I was going without a biopsy! Your upbeat attitude despite everything you've been through is inspirational.

Catherine -- Yes, kudos to my dentist. I've been his patient for 25 years so we are more buddies now. When I pointed out the spot, his face went white and I had one of those "Oh, sh*t" moments. All of the docs/dentists and medical staff I've seen so far have been wonderful!