HI... I'm a first timer too. Just starting the process and have to say as radical as it sounds - I am more than willing to do whatever it takes. I am fully prepared (on a mental level - as I know physically it will be gruelling) to have a Hemiglossectomy, and a neck resection if the doctor recommends it. To top it off Radiation will also be something that I seek out - also if recommended by the DR... and if not I will be wanting to know why.
This is a battle. I feel do whatever you can for the best possible outcome. I know the route this particular cancer takes to spread. So if you have to remove healthy nodes do it. and a gland DO it. I am an actor so I admit I am worried what the scarring will look like but bottom line - I am wiling to deal with whatever the fall out from the surgery will be. I know if you are a husband and father or the soul income in your house hold it has got to be excruciating but I think family would be willing to give up a lot to have their loved one with them. So any advice for info for a newbie?