I apologize for anything that sounds vague. I promise, it is just a reflection of what they tell me.

Yes, they were arguing my margins, but the surgeon is pretty confident and I do trust him. The tumor was at the very back of what they still consider the front half of the tongue, yet another area where I am borderline.

The rads would be tongue and neck, I believe, and just the one side.

The surgery would be 'modified neck dissection' which I gather means he plans to spare damage where possible.

And aside from having HPV virus, I don't have any known risk factors like smoking. I do think the extreme nausea caused by my panic disorder no doubt set up some damage though. I don't see how it couldn't, since I tgrew up nonstop for a few years.

I think that covers the questions y'all asked. I really appreciate the information and kindness you've given!

Kristen