David, Out of curiosity, what was the size of your tumor?

Gary, I never thought about asking my RO how long he'll be seeing me, but he did mention he watches his patients in my situation very close for two years and I think he said every 6 Mo's to year five (I guess he did tell me). My ENT gave me the same info except after year five he wants his patients to come in annually. He also said he just released an 80+ year old patient that had OC 20 years ago and a 38/39 year old had his 13th anniversary but that the 80+ year old was released because of age. I suppose that was his way of telling me I'll be a patient of his forever.

They say that HPV doesn't change the tx but yet those tumors respond better to radiation. If I had a BOT HPV+ tumor I would opt for radiation and chemo as my first attack rather then a total glossectomy. So, why do they say it doesn't change the tx plan if your tumor is HPV related?

7-16-08 age 37@Dx, T3N0M0 SCC 4.778cm tumor, left side of oral tongue, non smoker, casual drinker, I am the 4th in my family to have H&N cancer
8-13-08 left neck dissection and 40% of tongue removed, submandibular salivary gland & 14 nodes clean, no chemo, IMRTx35
11-4-08 Recovering & feeling better