Hi Everyone,

I am new to this website and wanted to introduce myself. I am 24 years old and this past February I noticed a spot on the back right side of my tongue, which had appeared overnight. I waited 2 weeks and it did not heal so I went to see my dentist. He gave me antibiotics and laughed when I asked if it could be cancer. Needless to say, I didn't return to the dentist. Instead I found an ENT and, after being subjected to all different types of rinses and medications I turned out to be allergic to, I demanded a biopsy. He too told me not to worry and that it was most likely nothing. At the end of March, I went to get my results alone, hoping my gut feeling was wrong and that it was nothing. That's when the shocked ENT told me it was cancer. I was completely terrified.

In the weeks that followed my parents and I met with different doctors and I had my very first PET scan, which was clear with the exception of the spot on my tongue. I had surgery at the end of April to remove the tumor as well as a bunch of lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. The margins were clear and all of the lymph nodes tested negative for cancer! I did not have to have any follow up chemo/radiation.

Now here I am 4 months later and I just had my first PET scan following surgery. Everything was clear EXCEPT I have a small light up near the surgical clips in my tongue. My doctor said this is common and it happens a lot. No mass can be seen and it is most likely irritation from surgery. However in order to be 1000% and just to give us all peace of mind (me mostly) he is going to do a biopsy.

I am freaking out. I know I got off easy since this was found very early and I didn't have to go through not even a quarter that most do, but I can't shake the constant fear of recurrence. Anyone have any tips? My doctor seems confident that I will be here until I am old and gray so I really need to stop obsessing. This is difficult since my OCD is the only reason the cancer was found in the first place. I am not about to let fear control my life!

I could say I'm 24 why me...but I'm not one for pity. Why me, why you, why children, why anyone?

And so is life!

I look forward to getting to hearing from you smile

-Katie

Cancer found on back right side of my tongue in March 2013. Non-smoker and very light drinker. Tumor removed, reconstruction & partial neck dissection in April 2013. Stage 1. No chemo & no radiation.