Hey Cheryl! Thanks for the note! Funny you mention irritation....Surgeon is baffled but also pointed out your "arm" (the upper left arm flap)is not supposed to be wet and in your mouth all the time so that may be a cause? Not smoked in 20 years but enjoy a beer and other wise considered in really good health..good teeth and regular visits to surgeon. No HPV related and after a VERY recent MRI no nodes this time nor last time (and I had a neck dissection last time) Never had rads and to be honest I trust the surgeon so much I will lean to surgery....at least I know about where that will take me.I appreciate all the comments from everyone! Cold enough for you here in Ontario?