My Oncologist 'up-fronted' me with "26% of cancer patients suffer recurrance".
OK, now I have a reference, I never expected a LifeTimeGuarantee, just a cure of the current situation, which is what I got.
Two years later, I'm not surprised to be visiting the MD's again:
It'S kind of like athlets foot fungus, you know it's in your future, just not when, just now how severe, just not what the treatment will entail, but you DO know, you have an affinity for recurrence.
Life becomes, "What shall I do about it?", cancer is debilitating, so are it's treatments, what will life be like after I BEAT IT THIS Time?
Focus, People, Focus.

My cancer just came back for the fourth time which kind of took me by surprise. It had been 2 years 8 months since the previous surgery and treatment. In the past, reoccurance had been about 12-14 months. Surgery was 1/3/2012 and I'm in pretty decent shape now and getting better each day.

Never good to learn one has a recurrance, but at least you can now put your mind to fighting and surviving it again.
You know you can win, you've done it 3 times already, hang in there.
I was just diagnosed with another cancer, seems to be unrelated to tongue & mandible transplant, or they just missed it. Does not matter, my body is attacking itself again, have only one choice, Fight IT!
Same with you, just hang in there and Fight IT!
See you on the other side, CHARGE!

Paul, I am very sorry you are going thru a recurrence again. Gosh, wasnt once enough? I am always so sorry whenever I see one of our members going thru a rough time. Be brave, you have done it before and you can do it again! This time around you know the medical jargon and what you need to do to get thru it. With recurrences, they are usually caught much earlier than the original illness so hopefully it will be much easier to treat.

Ive done it 3 times myself and the last one was the worst one for me. I had been Stage IV with needing my jaw removed. Recovery was a long rough road. Now its almost 3 years since that 3rd round. My life is full and happy. Sure I have limitations but I am alive and I spend my time helping others avoid the pitfalls which got me hospitalized. I credit the good people here with saving my life by urging me to get that last big surgery and now I give back just like they selflessly gave of themselves. You can get thru this and move on to making a difference in the lives of so many others. Helping others is what gives me a reason to get up in the morning. It may be a small thing but I feel that I am a valuable person spreading my knowledge to other oral cancer patients and their caregivers.

Im rooting for you, Paul. Please keep us posted as to your progress. Feel free to PM me with any questions you may encounter. Im in your corner!!! Best wishes!!!

Paul and richie - we're all rooting for you - hugs and many blessings!

Hang in there! You are stronger than you ever imagined!