Lisa,

To answer your question, this was a second reading of the original slides.

I had been told I was clear after the first pathology report. The margins were clear and all my lymph nodes were clear. I made the mistake of taking my Italian mother (she insisted on going) to see my doctor after the surgery. When the doctor told us everything was "clear"--my mother started to cry of joy and hugged the doctor (I know most parents tend to me irrational, but Italian parents, and especially mine--and ESPECIALLY my mother--win the prize). I think the doctor didn't have the heart to make clear to us that a second pathology report (of the same slides) was needed before we can celebrate.

I confronted the doctor about this later. To be fair to him, he did tell me early on that my lymph nodes were going to be thoroughly examined--beyond the standard pathology report. However, when he told us everything is "clear" the first time, I thought this was the final report. He wasn't very clear about that and a misunderstanding threw us (my parents, my wife, and myself) into an emotional roller coaster ride.

I am being treated at a CCC (affiliated with the University of Miami), where I'm also part of a study on T1 and T2 tongue cancers. I was told that the second pathology report was done precisely because I was part of this study. Basically, the samples of my lymph nodes were dissected in ten thousand different parts, different dyes were used, etc, and they eventually found microscopic cancerous cells in one node.

Lisa, I don't mean to cause you concern. However, were you treated at a CCC? If you weren't, and can get a hold of your slides, have them sent to a CCC to be checked out--just to be safe!

Gail, I was told by the radiation oncologist, who is presumably one of the best, that chemo for my case would be overkill. This is why I'm rather confused. In any case, I will see my doctor today and will post another message this evening to keep you guys updated.

Gino

P.S., About the Luigi/Gino confusion. My real name is Luigi, "Gino" is a derivative of Luigi. Sort of like the Italian version of William and "Billy," or Robert and "Bob." You guys get the picture.