Hi Shelley! Welcome to OCF! I am so sorry to hear about your recurrence after being well for so many years. I know it sounds very frightening what your doctors are planning for you. Im wondering if you are going to a cancer center and if you have had a second opinion. I know it seems like its very hard to get thru this but you can do it! Ive had oral cancer 3 times and gone thru some pretty rough times but Im now 2 years cancer free and doing very well.

Here is an inspiring story from another OCF member who has gone thru a glossectomy. It shows the true spirit of perseverance! I think you will find some hope in reading about Kate. Best wishes with everything you are facing!

Kates Story

Christine
SCC 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 smile