"I had no risk-factors, and was never that heavy of an alcohol (ETOH) drinker"

I'm sorry you have to go through this at such a young age; I'm 40 and was diagnosed at 38; which is still way too young in my book! From your initial statement you stated you didn't drink that much; so ETOH obviously was not the cause. FYI- I am always doubtful when I see someone so young as you with a HPV- test; I know the studies show that 7% can be non-HPV and get cancer young for some unkown predisposition. But I work in the medical field and know that the test is only as good as the person doing it! I almost two years out and I worried about the same thing; but decided that I needed to enjoy life too. No, you don't have to drink ETOH to have a good time; but it's nice just to be out and feel normal and not worry about cancer. I say enjoy life, but in moderation. Your not drinking it everyday; once or twice on the weekend is fine in my book. FYI-Guinness is only 4.3% ETOH; listerine is about 26%. You would have to do your oral care routine anyway regardless if you drank etoh or not!! In the end it's all up to you and if your going to blame yourself; but if having a drink makes you happier than I say have one. Afterall we went through the treatment to live life; not hide in a box and be afraid of our shadows!!! frown

Cheers!!

Charles

Last edited by Irishgypsie; 05-14-2012 10:12 AM.
Charles

HPV +16 Right Tonsil SCC with 1 Right lymph node. Tonsillectomy and neck resection.

Got 33 radiation doses via tomo machine (58 gry to back of throat, 65 gry to right neck, and 56 gry to left neck) with 2 cisplatin and one carboplatin due to possible hearing loss.