This will be my 2nd surgery on my tongue. The first time was 8 years ago with part of the tongue being removed and no reconstruction. This time they say it will be removal of more tongue and most definitely reconstruction. I had the neck dissection 7 years ago with one node positive and the large muscle in the neck being removed as well. This was followed by 6 weeks of radiation. After radiation I became very sick with viral spinal meningitis,(was almost a goner that time). The radiation also caused necrosis of the lower jaw which was then replaced 2 years ago. I also lost all my teeth top and bottom. And yes I was using a fluoride treatment during the radiation but it did not help.
I do not think I am afraid of losing more of my tongue as much as I am of the chance that they will find more nodes or more muscle or something else affected/invaded by this pain in the ass disease. Sorry, but that is how I have to look at it sometimes. I have been grateful for every day that I opened my eyes and did not see my name listed in the Obit's over the past 8 years. However, I am very frustrated with what seems to be a lack of strides in finding better and more effective treatments for cancer. I should stop now because I am starting to rant, something I do when I am nervous.