Honestly do what they are telling you... Radiation is hard and horrible but it gives you the best chance of it not coming back. With a tumor that size there could be microscopic cancer in your nodes chances are one will blow up layer and you may end up with a recurrence.

I had very similar tumor size. My dr. Did everything up front. It wasn't fun but so far so good. Though there are no guarantees. Take care

Ok, saw my radiation Dr. He now suggest rad on both side because it cross the mid tongue. And sure will be dry month for long long time. Any suggestion on delay of rad treatment? Can we wait on it? Or we really have to start within 6 weeks?

Welcome, so sorry you have to be here.

Being a smoker is most likely what caused this cancer if it is HPV- and unfortunately as others have said, it is harder to treat and has a high recurrence rate. It also is very aggressive. It is great news that your surgeons were able to remove all of the tumor as well as get clear margins. You are definitely on the right track. That being said, my advice, for sure get another opinion so you are aware of all the options available to you, but also I would not hesitate whatsoever on treatment. You just don't want to waste any time or make any sort of compromises with your health. If you decided against treatment, and if it came back, you wouldn't want to be left with any regrets about not doing everything you could for the best possible outcome. Everyone here has either been through it personally or has cared for someone who has, and we can all help you get through it.

Best of luck and please keep us posted.

Hello Michael,
My mother-in-law had 1/2 of her tongue removed and some of the lower base of the right side in March 2010. She was told that they removed everything plus a good amount to avoid reoccurance. Therefore no additional medical treatment was needed.

May 2012 she noticed a lesion on her cheeks and gums. She went to the dentist and was told to see her oncologiest. The cancer on her cheek muscles was the size of a marble. Her right lower jaw was partially "eaten" by the cancer. 10/10/2012 in Asia she had another radical surgery which was partial removal of her lower jaw and reconstruction. Her cheek muscles were scraped up to the point allowed as to not reach the skin. Because it was detected late it was considered T4A (Tumor that is locally advanced but surgically resectable and therefore salvageable). It still salvageable by radical surgery, radiation and chemo.

Looking back, I wish the did the radiation. May be she should not suffered the second surgery. In my opinion listen to the doctors and do the most aggressive step offered. Better to do it now than later when it has progressed.

My thought and prayers are with you. God bless.

Does anyone know how to massage neck due to removed nodes? My neck is still bulky and wonder how to help getting smaller faster.

Scar management nurses recommended to my wife to massage the scar area with bio-oil and a silicone based gel which you can purchase from your nearest pharmacy.

both have done wonders and works a treat. the tip is to make sure that the scar tissue dosent go hard but remains soft.

Michael

Get the radiation. You will regret it for the rest of your life if you do not and the cancer comes back. You are young and it is your first dose. Think risk benefit analysis here. The smart money is on the radiation unless you want to join the recurrence club or enter our little Radation Olymphic for most radiation. I advise against that.
Listen to your doctors here ans ZAP that cancer

Charm

Agreed.
When you start the radiation make sure you don't have ANY oil on your neck area. Use it until then though.
Please don't wait on this. It is very aggressive.
Kathy

Hi there my advice with regards to lymphatic massage is go to a professional once or twice and have it done. Then you will know how to do it properly. Good luck!