Around this time last year, my husband started with a scratchy throat. Because we are both teachers, this is not unusual, and most of the time one or both of us might have a cold from the little germ factories we see every day. We didn't think much of it, until in April 2012, he got a swollen node in his neck. Again, not that unusual, but when it didn't go away in a month's time, he got went to his PCP. He was prescribed an antibiotic for some general "infection," and sent home. The swelling did not go down. PCP sent him to ENT, and ENT prescribed a stronger antibiotic. There was still no change to his node, but it did seem to be getting bigger. No one seemed to be alarmed because Husband is a non-smoker and non-drinker. In early July, the ENT did a needle biopsy, which came back clean. In early August, ENT did a surgical biopsy and that was when we found out it was stage 3 SCC in the base of his tongue and both sides lymph nodes. He began radiation and chemo in late August 2012 and finished it in October 2012. We thought we were in the clear when a PET scan came back in November 2012 showing just dead tissue. Then in early January 2013, the oncologist said he wanted DH to start another round of chemo lasting 12-18 weeks to combat any "free-floating" cancer cells that might be swimming around looking for a new home. We're now in week 4 of chemo. From reading here, we asked that he be tested for HPV, and the test came back negative.

Not sure what I'm hoping for. Just wanted to introduce myself.