Hi Jen- I'm 35 and was diagnosed when I was 33. Not as young as you but definitely on the younger side. I'm so glad that you were able to have the surgery without the freeflap and didn't have to have radiation. Just be very familiar with your mouth and tongue and check it often. Sounds like they caught it early.

I smoked very briefly in college and only drank wine and beer on weekends so I was considered not to have many risk factors either. Soemtimes it is just what you said.. bad luck.

Take care and know that you have a lot of support here.

KATE