August,

As you know from our private emails, I too, had only surgery. So that others reading your thread will be able to get a sense of how many of us are on the board that have had only surgery, I've decided to add my post.

Like Lisa, I, too, have had many periods of second guessing. This didn't occur until reading the many posts on this subject. After almost 1 1/2 years post surgery, I am comfortable with the treatment protocol that I had and am content with the follow-up care that I am now receiving.

Each of our cases are different and unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be any set protocols for treatment or follow-up care. One of the most compelling reasons that I have read for surgery only in T1N0MO cases, is that in the unfortunate case of a recurrence, the use of radiation is still a possibility. Others will argue that the use of radiation (and chemo) initially, will lower the chances of a recurrence.

There is no doubt that getting cancer sucks and living with the threat of a recurrence sucks, but we somehow have to get to the state of mind where we can go about our daily lives and enjoying life again. There isn't a day that doesn't go by without me thinking about oral cancer. However, as most of the board knows, much of this involvement is related to making my patients and dental colleagues aware of the importance of thorough oral cancer screenings. Hopefull, after I retire, I will be able to spend even more time in the getting the word out that "Early Detection, Saves Lives".

Jerry