Thanks, everybody, I had an MRI yesterday, and have a PET scan scheduled for tomorrow. Then, next Friday I have a consultation with a doctor in Cleveland who is a specialist in surgeries for head and neck cancers. We will decide if I am a good candidate for robotic surgery. Since it would be less invasive than regular surgery, we are hoping that is an option.

Female, nonsmoker, 70, diag. 5/09 after tongue biopsy: stage IV. Left hemi-gloss. and left selec. neck disec. 30 lymph nodes removed May 20. Over 7 weeks daily rads. with three chemo. PEG removed 12/4/09 Am eating mostly soft foods. Back to work 11/09 Retired 4/1/11. 7 clear scans! Port out 9/11. 2/13. It's back: base of tongue, very invasive
surgery involving lifestyle changes. 2/14: Now speaking w/Passey-Muir valve. Considering a swallow study. Grateful to be alive.