My mother has been diagnosed with stage four, squamous cell carcinoma on the tongue. It doesn't look like it spread to the lymph nodes. In a surreal sequence of events, we were told that it was bad and that she would have to have half her tongue removed, her lower jaw bone, a neck dissection...probably would not speak well again, swallow not so great. She's 75, otherwise perfectly healthy and always has been. The alternative to surgery was to go home, die a horrible death in no more than one year's time.

A lot to process but trying to focus on making good decisions. I'm hoping for information from anyone who can help.

1. Has anyone been through this? Was it worth it? Is the quality of life after worth going through the barbaric treatment? What can she expect during the stages of treatment? Will the pain medication alleviate most of the discomfort? Will she be horribly disfigured? Will she be able to speak at all?

If she does nothing, is the process horrible leading to the end? Does anyone know of any alternative to surgery as the first line? Is there anyone in the medical field doing anything innovative? We've been googling Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)- does anyone have any experience with this?


Thank you so much in advance. I know it's a lot of questions at once - we're desperate for answers. My poor Mom is literally the sweetest lady you could ever possibly meet and I just hate the idea of her going through this.