I am a 53 year old female who received DX of SCC of tongue in late February, 2009. Had been complaining since July, 2008 of teeth pain and ear pain. Had a lesion on the back part of tongue. I had a history of canker sores since childhood so did not think anything of it. Threee trips to the dentist could not find problem with teeth. Two visits to Doctor's office and treated me for sinus infection. Finally saw oral surgeon in February and got my DX. I was devastated. I was a light smoker for 30 years and a casual drinker of alcohol. PET scan showed cancer in mouth and possibly the lymph nodes in neck. Had 2/3 tongue removed end of March and right neck resection. 31 nodes removed. Surgeons were sure the swollen nodes were cancer but were not. Had a PEG tube inserted 20 days following surgery as I could not eat or drink enough to sustain me. I had 2-3 wound infections with the PEG. Worst pain and sickest I have been ever. Did not have any tissue added to build up my tongue. Radiation/Oncology determined no radiation or chemotherapy. Started speech therapy 2nd week of June. I am doing well. Had a barium swallow on 6/17/09 passed with flying colors. Tube removed 6/24/09. I am now eating again. I have had cheeseburgers, steak cut up in small pieces, tacos, etc. Food never tasted so good. It takes a while to eat but I don't care. I am a walking, talking, eating miracle! I still have discomfort in my neck and still working on my lip which slightly drooped but is going back to normal and too much saliva! I just wanted to uplift someone today because for the 1st 2 months I didn't think I could go on. But I did and you can too! Would love to talk to someone!!!