Hello. My name is Kyle; this is my first posting. I was diagnosed with Squamous Carcenoma on the 3rd of March. For now, they are calling it T2N0M0. The tumor is in my tongue.

This site has been a wealth of information as I come to grips with my current situation and a certainly changed future.

I have had fantastic support from coworkers, freinds, and even people I dont know well. I have a loving wife and two beautiful small children.

I am scheduled for surgery on the 15th. Removal of the tumor (maybe as much as 1/3 to 1/2 of tongue removal) and a sampling of lymph nodes for pathology. The doctors seem to think that the lymph nodes may be unaffected at this point. Even with the CT and PETR scans it looks like the state of my lymph nodes wont be positive until then.

I am more than a little scared.

-Kyle

kyle dont let the fear over come , you have to control the cancer , not it you. I know its hard pray for help for the anxeity , you are in my prayers ..... see the cancer gone in your mind at all times and try to keep upbeat. praying kim

Kyle and family, no doubt that you all are in for a bumpy ride for a while. How old are your kids? What kind of support system are you thinking of putting into place during surgery and during recovery? You and your wife will need some help to manage everything. Please keep posting and asking any questions you can't find answers to. You both can get strong support here. Good luck. Amy in the Oz

Dear Kyle,

I still remember the early days after my husband

Kyle,

Just wanted to let you know things will be OK. I know it is hard to even think about loosing part of your tongue.

I lost part of mine too and it is doing fine. It feels a little funny but I can talk OK. At first there were a few words that needed practice. It sounds like you caught this early and that is good.

So think positive. You are going to be OK.

Take care,
Diane

Kyle;
You will get by and really be surprised at how well things will come back after surgery. During my "second round" my surgeon told me that if I had to have more removed that folks function very well after having up to half their tongue removed. There are lots of folks here that can provide great guidance and advice for you.
As several have already said, a positive attitude and a great support team will mean a lot through your journey, and it sounds like you have both.

Best wishes and you're in my prayers,

Steve

Kyle,

Good luck!! You have found the best site to help you through your surgery and Tx. There are so many people who have had exactly the same surgery and you should ask as many questions as you want. No question is too small.

It helps all of us if you tell us as much as possible; like where you are having the surgery and what, if any, followup Tx has been discussed.
It's good that you are the poster. Try to encourage your wife to post as well.I'm sure she has some questions herself.

Remember this site will be there for your family as long as you want.

Thank you, all. Great support here.

I am 41 yrs old. My children are under two, girl and boy.

I am havng my surgery at UCLA. It has been a positive expereince, so far. I also went for a second opinion at Cedars Sinai. Same diagnosis, but its good to feel confident in the plan.

I have one experience that might be worth passing on. My dentist first noticed the lump. Amazing I could have a 1 inch x 1/4 inch lump and not know it! He reffered me to an Oral Surgeon, as at this point it seemed unlikely to be cancer becasue I dont smoke or drink. This Oral Surgeon wanted to cut it out and then do the pathology to be sure it wasn't cancer. I went to a second doctor because at that point the thought of cutting that large a piece of my tongue was shocking! The second doctor took what I thought was a more measured approach, and now in hind sight, I believe saved me a great deal of pain and delay in treating the cancer. The second doctor did the biopsy first. Painful, but when it came back with SCC, he reffered me directly to UCLA even getting me an appointment when I was unable to get one sooner than a month away. The lesson: a second opinion is a good idea.

-Kyle

Kyle,

One thing I can say is Knowledge is power. the more you know about the disease and treatmets options the better of you are and you will know what is going on . I am a month out (my month was up fri) from having the same surgery you are having. I too am young 35 non smoker non drinker. It is no ride in the park , but you get through it ,best way, one day at a time . I am still waiting for things to"comeback " as they say, but everyday gets better. I never lost the ability to speak, just a few words sound funny almost like I had novacaine. Feel free to email me with any questions and I will do my best to answer ,seeings how I am fairly new to all this my self. But am Fresh with the surgery ( waitin to hear on further tx) you are in the right place for information, but even more so ...for support ! Best wishes and keep us posted!

Sharlee

Kyle,

It sounds like your situation is almost identical to mine. I was a bit younger though. At 32, my dentist found a spot. It didn't hurt and I had no risk factors for cancer so I ignored it until the next cleaning appointment with the dentist. About a week before that appointmnet, it started to hurt when it brushed against my teeth. So off to the Oral surgeon I went and he did a biopsy. Few days later, "You have cancer." A few days later, my Otolaryngologist (ENT) said I could loose up to 1/2 my tongue and a lot from my neck. Did a PET scan before the surgery and confirmed that one lymph node was positive so the cancer had spread but it was only beginning to spread. Surgery confirmed that it was only in one lymph node. Radiation for 7 weeks took care of the rest.

Since I am so close to your case, let me know if you have any specific questions. I probably have been through everything you are about to face.

And finally to always give hope, I am 4+ years out and still cancer free.

Take care and fight hard.
Jim