Sweetz,

I too was diagnosed in August. I am 39, and this was a complete shock. They took 50% of my tongue (the tumor was over 4 cm), and lymph nodes from all zones, which made me T4. I will be starting rad and chemo shortly.

Trust your doctors. Mine said I would be fine, and I firmly believe that. He said I would be talking shortly after surgery and I am.

You are not hopeless. You fight with everything you have for yourself and for your kids, and you will see the benefit. My friends and family are astonished at the speed of my surgery recovery, and I attribute that to my motivation to get better, and a good attitude. It's ok to feel scared and angry, but don't let that interfere with your treatment and recuperation.

As I have told my friends and family, this is a bump in the road, and it just takes some time to get over the hump.

We can do it together!

Tina
Diag: Aug. 13/12
T3N0M0
50% + glossectomy and bilateral radical neck dissection, removal of nodes zones I - V
Surgery October 11/12
Chemo/rad on hold due to clear margins and nodes
Sept 21/13 clear CT with anomaly thought to be the artery, being watched closely.
Dec 16/13 - anomaly confirmed artery, all clear
nickname: "get 'r done"
Plans: kick cancer's butt