Shall, Im glad to see you stop by. So happy you are doing well!

I am one who avoids all alcohol. I wasnt much of a drinker prior to having oral cancer. I would drink only on a very rare occasion, like one drink every couple years.

After OC I have tried a sip of a pina colada which tasted very good. The rum was hidden so it didnt burn my mouth. I think there was only a tiny bit of rum in that drink anyway. A couple weeks ago I took a sip of wine and it tasted horrible to me. It was like drinking vinegar that burned my mouth and throat.

I attended a presentation given by a highly respected doctor who not only practices but also teaches at NYU. He stated alcohol consumption even as low as 2 or 3 drinks per day a few times per week may be considered a risk factor when it comes to OC patients. He did not differentiate between HPV+ and OC caused by other things like tobacco. All of my doctors have varied between avoid it completely to once in a while one is ok.

Personally, I cant take the risk of even an occasional drink if it means it could help bring a recurrence. Ive been thru OC 3 times already, I would not survive a 4th round. I doubt the 2 sips of alcohol Ive taken in 6 years will play a part in changing anything. Drinking is just something I dont want to look back and regret doing like I do smoking.

Check with your doc and remember all things in moderation are usually ok. Bottom line, its up to you.