Lisa, I was diagnosed with HPV16+ OSCC base of tongue in March 2023 at 56 years old. Of course I was very fearful at the time. Since then I have learned that this type of cancer is very treatable and successful. I had TORS robotic surgery April 2023. I had a right neck dissection as well with all lymph nodes removed. Also, I completed 30 rounds of Proton Radiation in July. As of today I would say I am about 85% back to normal . It is a SLOW climb back . You will have CT scans and throat scope every 3 months for a year or two to monitor any recurrence. You should ask your doctor about the NavDX blood type which detects HPV16 cancer in the blood as it will help once you are being monitored. Thanks to God I have had 4 negative NavDX blood tests in a row and good CT scans and scopes. Good luck to you and stay positive. I leaned on my Faith then and I still do !

Hi @ljhopkins Lisa and welcome to our Head and Neck Cancer group, not words you ever hoped to hear. I completely understand the worries going on inside your head. The changes in your routine, the halt of life, financial, plans, not to mention the battle you must and will endure.
A wise person (my Grandmother) once told me that if there was an eleventh commandment, it would say “Thou shalt not worry.” That’s God’s job and you doing it won’t change a thing.
Know this, there are people here who understand and will listen. They can give advice and answer questions. You have joined a community of patients which can make a difference in how you handle this in the coming weeks and months. We are with you.
Do you have any immediate concerns?