 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 559 Likes: 1 | Hi J:
Welcome to your new family. We all either have oral cancer or are caregiver to someone who does, so we know what you are about to go through.
I understand not wanting to have your tongue cut on. I also understand cutting away as much of the tumor prior to radiation (and chemo if necessary) as being helpful to the treatment process. All I can tell you is to voice your concerns to your doctor early and assertively. Don't just play passive and accept what the doc wants to suggest as your treatment plan.
Whatever you choose, we will be right here with you every step of the way. All you have to do is ask questions, just like you're doing.
Best of luck. It will be a bumpy road either way you go, but it is entirely doable.
Tony
Tony, 69, non-smoker, aerobatics pilot, bridge player/teacher, avid dancer (ballroom, latin, swing, country)
09/13 SCC, HPV 16, tonsillectomy, T2N0.
11/13 start rads, no chemo
12/13 taste gone, dry mouth,
02/14 hair slowly returning
05/14 taste the same, dry sinuses, irrigation helps.
01/15 food taste about 60% returned, dry sinuses are worse in winter.
12/20 no more sinus problems, taste pretty good
| 
