Kent,

Welcome to this site and sorry as well for you having to be here due to your condition.

A year ago on March 2 was when I had my 19-hr surgery, removing 90% of my tongue due to Stage IV SCC (as you would note from my signature). That was followed by nearly 48 hrs in ICU before I was wheeled back to my room, to spend the next two weeks in the hospital.

I guess the first suggestion is to give the members here all the details about your condition, to give you precise advice, especially from those who have been here much longer or have given advice to many individuals. A common suggestion is to put your signature with salient points and dates (you do this by clicking on "My Stuff" on the bar above and selecting "Profile").

After having all the pre-surgery tests and discussions with all doctors involved, I remember being busy preparing all the logistics I will need after being discharged from the hospital and recovering -- nebulizer, portable suction machine, caregiver schedules, chemo and RT schedules, etc, etc. All the items needed to make it as easy and as quick as possible for my recovery. That was the 'material' side of things. There was, of course, the 'emotional' side of things which involved discussions (and prayer gatherings, too) with family members and relatives. In looking back, modesty aside, I was the most emotionally and psychologically prepared among family members, relatives and friends. But I guess that's not unusual for some, if not most, of those afflicted with this condition.

Best wishes to what you are and will be going through.

Jojo