Hi Boland,

I am so sorry to hear all this. Cancer is a scary and nebulous thing. The OCF forum is an excellent source of information and we are so glad you are reaching out here. I do suggest you get another opinion. What does the oncologist say? Has radiation been discussed? Stage 0 is early so good news on that front.

Mine was stage 4, took half my tongue and all my lymph nodes on my right side. They rebuilt my tongue with flesh from my forearm and then I received 60 Gray units of radiation to my mouth and neck area. Radiation has significant side effects - severe tooth damage, jaw weakened, loss of saliva, taste, etc. So, in some cases, the tradeoff is worth it, such as my decision. It reduced my odds of recurrence in half. This would be a conversation to have with your oncologist.

There is a great book out there called Anticancer. It goes deep into many aspects of cancer and how to live a cleaner life to help avoid it. I, like you, was never a smoker and only a social drinker. Then, age 52, surprise! Let's keep doing our best to save the stairway to heaven for the right time much later in life! Your title took me back to high school for a bit. Thanks!

Stay safe and keep the faith,
Nels