Well, today I saw the surgeon (ortholaryn..something?), had x rays of mandible, CT scan, bloodwork. My surgery is scheduled for two weeks from today. Doc was very upbeat (somehow I got the feeling he would be if alligators were literally chomping my toes! :-)
Anyway, he said he would not know the extent until the surgery, but just from the examination feels like it is in early stages. Will see if it went to lymph glands to know more. Plans to take part of tongue, part of bottom of mouth floor, and lymph nodes on one side. So here we are:

Question 1: He said I may not have to have radiation. I thought that was standard? Could he just be giving me information in small doses?

Question 2: He said I probably would be in hospital 3-5 days and mouth "packed"....didn't give any real details. Would someone please tell me first hand what this is like?

Another question (3): I can retire at any time and had planned to in May before all this came up. Given the doctor says I will be off work 5-6 weeks anyway after this surgery (and that is if no radiation)....what are your all thoughts about doing that having "been there"? I don't anticipate having nothing to do retired anyway...have bought a new home to move to and need to get on to it, have grandchildren to babysit, etc. But what are your thoughts and experiences on that one?