Hi Jen- Well. I am 3 yrs out now (well as of March 2nd this year). I"m not sure when they would consider you officially in remission. I know that the highest rate of recurrence is 1-3 years afterwards with the first and second being the highest risk time. At least that is what my MO RO and surgeon have all said.

Yes tongue cancer is very aggressive and very very hard to control when it spreads. I"m guessing that your Docs are concerned because you had the recurrance after 1 year so they want to throw the book at this because you are young and they want you to live a long healthy life without dealing with this crap again.

That must be hard to hear about a possible chemo plan for after you finish up treatment. What kind of chemo is it? I am so sorry! It does sound very aggressive but I think the Dr. just wants to make sure this never ever comes back ever again.

The thing is that you really need to irradicate this stuff from your system once and for all and if they think that is the best way to ensure that this will never come back- I would do it. Having another reoccurance would really not be good news. I don't want to scare you but its not something that would be that easy to get rid of because it will kind of meant that this has been lingering around in your system.

I feel for you. As a young woman you should certainly not have to be dealing with this right now. I was 33 when diagnosed- newly married and it just really sucked. I was supposed to be starting a family- had just started a new job etc but I had to deal...anyways I would get a few medical opinions and read up on things and make your best informed decision you can and do what you feel is the best option... but I wouldn't be thinking about saving an option for if or when it comes back... you want to use all your weapons now for the best chance at beating this once and for all. I know that is probably hard to hear. After being on these boards for awhile I see patterns after awhile. You want to beat this thing once and for all. Blast the bejesus out of its my advice. Its hard but then you'll know you did absolutely everything you could. Right?

I can completely empathize with not wanting to sign up for more chemo treatments! Sorry you are having to go through with this!

Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope that you will never have to deal with this again!

KATE