I began to have pain in the right side of my mouth in 2009. It wasn't until 2011 that it was finally diagnosed as cancer. Maybe because of a sharp tooth, maybe because of the irritation of the first biopsy, maybe because of genes, maybe because of Coors light and my love of nicotine, sex, coffee, mouthwash, red meat etc, etc, etc...

It was a perfect storm. And one that I hope you never have to go through. Let us know how everything turns out. No matter what you do or have done - NO ONE deserves to have oral cancer.

All you can do is try to reduce the risks, but many people get this cancer with no risk factors at all. It's a crap shoot, but you can do some things to get the odds in your favor.

BTW, I still love the smell of tobacco - but it's N.O.P.E (Not One Puff Ever) for me. But - if I was diagnosed as terminal, or I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would light up!!!

Nicorette inhalers are my choice now. Damn addictions.