JT,
if if makes you feel any better, or wondering if you are in the right place, there are a lot of "stupid" people here who had late or incorrect diagnosis for one reason or another. I for one, had been to a GP twice, had bloodwork done, seen an oral surgeon and asked ny dentist and hygenist on 2 separate occasions what was this tan rubbery blob crowding my uvula in the back of my throat. The GP finally told me see an ENT. In the meanwhile I had researched my "condition" on the internet, found a picture that looked just like it and was convinced that I had peritonsillar abcess. I delayed the ENT appointment because of my fears of having needles stuck in my throat and having the thing drained. I probably advanced my staging, like you, during that time period. It wasn't so much denial, for as, much as not seeing the right specialists in the right place, like a comprehensive cancer center.

Don't be too hard on yourself, what is done, is done. Although I was advanced stage, I survive to this day closing in on 5 years cancer free.

For those of you new here, don't give up hope that they can't find a successful resolution to this.

Welcome to the forum, it's good to have you here.