Hellion,

Sorry you are here. I'm impressed with the high probability you were given, even though it is just a statistical number based on historical data. I, too, was Stage IV Base of Tongue, T2N2bM0. I was given 25%-28% and surgery was suggested although we saved it in case I had a recurrence. I was diagnosed with 3 people almost the same day and I was the only one of us that made it. That was a bit nerve wracking.

I am a bit confused why they are saying inoperable. Are you being treated at a major cancer center?

Anyway, once you get last the initial shock, things will settle into a routine. Spend some time perusing the entire site so you have some idea what you are facing. Keep an updated To Do list with all the tasks you will have to do and, as ChristineB suggests, don't hesitate delegating to others. It will make it easier for you.

Best wishes on your upcoming treatment. Many have traveled the road ahead of you and will help you through this.

SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023