Medical: Cancer Stages

Today I learned how cancer stages work:

I know that I'm at least Stage 1 (duh), and that my tongue base and tonsils are contiguous to the lump and also 'iffy' (and so are nearby lymphs). Not sure if that's contiguous enough to still be Stage 1. We also don't know if they "have it" or are just inflamed because they're working extra hard. I would not be surprised if they call it "Stage 2"

After meeting the Oncologist next week (July 19) I will likely be referred for a PET scan to look for it in the "whole rest" of my body. It could be hiding in lymphs or other "internal" places. If those are below my diaphram, that'd be Stage 3.

So far, the good news is 3-part:

1. MRI showed brain was clear
2. Cytology (cell exam) says it isn't from elsewhere
3. ALL blood/metabolic tests so far suggest all other organs are healthy (and that's how I feel, too)