Hi Gina,

As others have said, a PET doesn't determine diagnosis, but is a tool to indicate possible cancerous areas. My original PET showed one probable and another possible cancerous node. Out of 35 lymph nodes removed and biopsied, NONE were cancerous!

When removing the tumor on my tongue, my Dr said most margins were very good, but the cancer has started to spread over toward and up the gum in that area so the margin was not what he wanted. However, all margins were clear. That and no node involvement meant no further treatment for me.

Take what you KNOW and make your plan for fighting that. After surgery and pathology, you will know what else is, or is NOT involved and can change your plan then if needed.

After recovery from surgery (and other treatment if needed), you will have frequent follow-ups, and scans. Yes, a clear scan is a relief, but don't worry in the meantime. There is nothing you can do about it so go on with your life and enjoy it! As others have said, there are no guarantees that any of us will see tomorrow, cancer or no cancer!

Hang in there! Concentrate on preparing for surgery and recovering from it. Worry about anything else IF it comes up.

:-)
Teresa