No one can answer why, but don't beat yourself up about the past! Stay positive - sounds like it has been caught very early and early detection equals a cure.

Many will tell you to make sure you get to a Comprehensive Cancer Center who will use a team approach to handle your cancer. I was diagnosed at 49 and can only IMAGINE how difficult it must be to say the words "23" and "cancer" in the same sentence. Yes it would be extremely normal to be angry and go through the "why me" stuff, but it won't help you move forward. Acknowledge the injustice of it all and focus on getting cured.

We are here for you and you will find such incredible support and experience here that you soon learn to post all your questions and fears. We understand and will assist where we can. Keep posting.

Donna

Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)