Barb,

I know it is hard to understand.. ?? You do not smoke so I understand your thoughts. ( I am guessing)

I first had tongue cancer and thought after surgery all was well... I guested Wrong!!! I did quite smoking for 6 months., Then started again... Then had cancer spread to other nodes.

OK, now you ask, why did I smoke.?? I did because I did not know that the cancer had already spread. I did because this is my addiction for over 40 years. I started smoking when I was 13. I am smoke free as of 2005 and I am very proud of it!!

Now here is a new lesson for you. You do not have to be a smoker to get this type of cancer. Shocking !! isn't it?? I was very shock to learn this.

When I was diagnosed with this, I thought well it is your own fault.!! Then I learned later that people that did not smoke got it... So now what??

I hope this will help you understand what is what. Smoking is a addiction, a chemical, a drug. Even coffee is considered the same. So it is important for all of us to learn everything we can about CANCER.

Take care and keep Learning!!
Diane