Thank you for your support. I think for me this is the first time I have had the opportunity to process it. I know that sounds weird, but with how quickly things moved from diagnosis, to surgery, to "all done", I have yet to grasp the concept. During these 8 months I have also had several other major life events: moved to a new city (and all that goes with it new doctors, new friends, new church, new stores,etc), started 2 new jobs, and became a landlord.

I have had to be brave, and only allowing myself to view cancer from that standpoint, BRAVE. And now that I have a moment to reflect I am caught on the how, and what next. I am definitely looking into volunteerism and gaining that perspective back.

Regarding all the appointments, biopsies and scans. I feel every time I go to the doc there is a new thing they are unsure about. So we watch it, then it doesn't change, so we biopsy it or scan it. I am going to the doc every two months and I have no watch and wait things right now (the first time since surgery).

I am beyond thankful for the amazing care I am receiving, and grateful for everyday I get with my beautiful family. Appreciating life even more now than ever before. I do think I am going to find some kind of support group to get involved with!

Much love to all of you! You all are amazing.

Lori, age 30 (HPV-, non-drinker, non-smoker, non-tobacoo user)
Dx 3/18/13 - T1N0M0 SCC L.Tongue
Tx 4/4/13 - Partial glossectomy (no rad/no chemo).
8/8/13 - Thyroid FNA - benign nodule
12/20/13 - Tongue Biopsy - Mild hyperkeratotic dysplasia
12/26/13 - Lymph FNA - benign (dx Cervical lymphadenopathy)
3/17/14 - Tongue Biopsy - normal tissue
5/5/14 - Tongue Biopsy - (awaiting results)