Update: Just got back from the Doctor.
It's Stage 2. I have surgery on the 14th to remove the tumor, the lymph nodes and surrounding neck tissue.
8 hour surgery because they will be repairing and reconstructing in the same surgery.
I like my doctors - I have 4. 3 Oral Maxillofacial/Cancer specialists and 1 for reconstruction.
I'll be in the hospital for 6 days with a 6-8 week recovery time.
Provided not invasive, I'm good to go with regular follow-ups and being proactive.
If invasive, then they'll determine the next round. (chemo/radiation)
I'm cautiously optimistic.
Thank you all for your kind words and your support.
It's meant a lot to me!
= new reply since forum marked as read
but best of luck with your surgery and recovery. It sounds like you have a great team working with you! Sending good vibes and heaps more optimism - 
Hugs help..a lot.
is a good place to be IMHO and also that you feel comfortable with your doctors ... thanks for the update.
May I suggest a caringbridge or carepages site to keep family and close friends updated.
http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/health/article/When-illness-strikes-sites-keep-loved-ones-up-to-1244580.php
We used caringbridge, it helped to keep people informed, was a record of our journey and was a one stop place for my husband to read messages when he was up to it.
Wishing you a short journey with a great outcome
I came away feeling better about the next step and I'm only thinking as far ahead as my surgery. Then we'll see what is next...but until then.
a long surgery is nothing to dismiss, but it sounds as if you are approaching this with the right balance of knowledge, nervousness and optimism. One step at a time.
And you will soon be completely free of cancer. 
I'm not familiar with this kind of cancer, but this report sounds really promising!
That is a short time window to be then down for ~2 months. Your brain must be spinning right now. Remember to prioritize downtime.
I'm only thinking as far as the surgery right now. Just one step at a time.
