Andy:

I have been a smokeless tobacco user for over 17 years and never really thought about the consequences. I now have two children and have realized (finally, I hope) that I need to take care of myself, if not for me then for them. About 4-5 months ago I was getting soreness on both sides of my tongue and started paying attention, more closely to my tongue and oral area. I could definitely see mucousal damage along with leukoplakia, erythtoplakia, and excessive thrush on the tongue. I started feeling around my neck and jaws constantly. I felt bumps, abnormalites, pains and tinges I had never noticed. I could not keep my focus. In fact, I was a nervous wreck. I would see white spots on my tongue and think the worse. My DR referred me to an ENT (on my request, not his). After an initial visit and follow-up, the ENT assured me that I did not have cancer. It came down to that I was looking for something that was not there....made myself believe it.

Dan