John, the staging is just a number. Don't get too wrapped up in it, as numbers don't define us. Mine was T3 due to the size, etc., but, here I am a year later, still carrying on and living life.

The panic about lumps and bumps will always be there. I currently have one on my shin (yes, that's weird), that I'm in a bit of flap about, but I try and remind myself that it is getting checked, and stressing about it won't change whatever it is, and I'll deal with whatever it is.

Don't let this disease define you. You are more than statistics!

Tina
Diag: Aug. 13/12
T3N0M0
50% + glossectomy and bilateral radical neck dissection, removal of nodes zones I - V
Surgery October 11/12
Chemo/rad on hold due to clear margins and nodes
Sept 21/13 clear CT with anomaly thought to be the artery, being watched closely.
Dec 16/13 - anomaly confirmed artery, all clear
nickname: "get 'r done"
Plans: kick cancer's butt