I don't believe my cancer was caused by alcohol either, I think there is some factor out there that we have not discovered yet that is causing so many young people to get oral cancer. That being said, I see Cheryl's point that it might not be worth the risk. I don't think having a glass of wine or beer every now and then will make much difference, but I probably won't go out and get drunk (except on a very rare occasion). I just hate having so many limitations! The part of my tongue that wasn't removed has been killing me this last week, and I am terrified about what it could be. I am assuming it is probably just burned or irritated, but it still sucks having to fear every time something unusual goes on. I am going to see my oncologist on Monday so hopefully everything is ok!


Emily - 24 years old at diagnosis
HPV-, no risk factors
T2N2b Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Left oral tongue, poorly differentiated
Hemiglossectamy, reconstruction, partial neck dissection
30 Radiation treatments, weekly chemo (cisplatin)
1/13/12 last day of treatment
Diagnosed October 2011