 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Hi Tommy. Welcome to OCF! I know right now seems so difficult for both you and your mother. It will be a long road but your mom can get thru this. You are in the right place for support and info.
The doctor should be able to tell what the stage is with a combination of the biopsy and a PET or CT scan. Is your mother being treated at a cancer center? Has the doctor told you how much of her tongue they will need to take? Has your mother had a second opinion? Sorry for asking so many questions. It helps us to understand your mom's situation better and makes it easier for us to give you guidance.
Best wishes to both you and your mother.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
