Tina,

As with many scans used for cancer , the PET is not 100% thorough. For SCC it can be even less. After my completely negative result in May '04 I have had a partial tongue glossectomy, radiation from 7/15 - 9/01 followed this past week with a partial neck dissection and tongue, mouth and palate resection.
PET will do an outstanding job of identifying those high glucose producing cancer cells when compared to surrounding tissue.
Since returning from the hospital, I have been on a feeding tube (11 days) because the radiation has inhibited (not eliminated) my abilities to heal. Also my trach hole is taking longer to close.

Despite all this, I look to friends, family,church and God to help me through. My prayers are with you.

David