Hi Sallyanne,

Sorry you had a positive diagnosis, but you caught it early and I'm here to tell you that over six years later, I had the same procedures that you are going to have and all is well. Don't be concerned about the drain. I too, went home with it and it was removed a few days later. The neck dissection was a piece of cake, but the tongue surgery was quite uncomfortable for a time.

I was back at work seeing patients 3 1/2 weeks after the surgery and the only lasting result of the surgery is that my neck is numb. No big deal.

Bear in mind that if you do have any positive nodes, it is likely that you will need radiation and of course your staging would change.

If you would like to talk about anything, send me a PM with your phone number and will get back to you right away.

Good luck.