Thanks Christine. I have never smoked and I might have a glass of wine or a beer once a month. I agree with the healing history and expected recovery. Chemo or radiation has not been mentioned yet. Having had my uvula and soft palate removed for sleap apnea, which did not help much, I totally understand about "..it can't be put back.." I have tried the warm water and sodium approach. Basically, the surface area has remained the same, no better and no worse. One biopsy showed a yeast infection which was taken care of. I should mention that the doctor removed the entire circle down to the muscle as well and that has not fully healed after a month.