Thank you guys for the responses. Eric, no worries; I think you're the man, and as a matter of fact am actually currently working on a real novel.

As far as pot goes, I'm done...if I decide to ever do it again, it'll be a vaporizer.

Sandy and David, thank you for your responses as well...I am more calm after seeing the doctor, but I don't know if I'll feel back to normal until my throat irritation disappears....

David, we didn't discuss reflux meds, but I am going to be changing my diet accordingly, it's high time to do that anyway.

I guess what I am wondering is: if I am feeling these symptoms, and many people don't even feel anything before diagnosis (aside a swelling on neck), would two trained ENT's, one of whom is a cancer specialist, both instructed on what to look for (HPV throat cancer tonsils/base of tongue) be able to pick it up?

I also asked the doc if HPV throat cancer always presents itself on the surface and he indicated yes...

As I type this, I am thinking that I want to apologize for wasting everyone's time with this. People on this forum have been through a lot, and I don't want to take advantage of people who have had their lives affected so dramatically, but I just feel like you're the ONLY people who would understand...