Susan,

I'm glad my story made you feel a bit better. Honestly, my surgery was not that bad. I ran a marathon yesterday and I would rather have my surgery again than run another marathon:) Ok, maybe not really. But the marathon was more painful!

My skin graft never, ever hurt. It was a little soar and itched a bit, but nothing I couldn't handle. It has been over a month and a half since my surgery and my tongue looks almost completely healed. Of course, I can't move it exactly the same way I did before surgery. It's coming along though.

I met with a Chemo Oncologist and a Radiation Oncologist last week. Great news! No chemo or radiation for me! The doctor removed all of the cancer and my prognosis is wonderful. I'm a very lucky girl! If oral cancer is caught early, which it sounds like your sister's was, then the survival rates are really good.

I can't blame your sister for freaking out. She's allowed. I still freak out sometimes too. It's like, "ok, now what?" She will do fine with surgery. The first week is the hardest, but she will be on pain meds. Thank God for great pain medication!
Let me know how everything turns out for her. And don't forget to take good care of yourself also.

Ashley


Cancer found on left bottom portion of my tongue on March 9th. Non-smoker and light drinker. Tumor removed March 30th. Stage 1. No chemo. No radiation.