Dear JJ, I was terrified when I was told I had SCC on my tongue 05/10/02, in fact I almost passed out in the office. I was 44, smoked on and off from about 18 - 28 years of age. How could this be? I thought it was a broken tooth rubbing into my tongue.
Anyway, I was hospitalized two weeks later, had about 50% of my tongue removed (large tumor, stage II), reconstruction with flap from forearm, radical neck dissection (of the 30 lymph nodes removed, two tested positive for cancer), then had the radiation for 7 weeks. It was not an easy trip, but with my faith in God and the help of my family (married, 17 year old twins) and very caring physicians, I made it. I still get checked every 8 weeks by the surgeon and radiologist. I try to stay very positive and keep praying!!!!!!!!!!!Keep looking up!!!!!!!!Phil. 4:13 In Christian Love, Carol
Carol

Diagnosed May 2002 with Stage IV tongue cancer, two lymph nodes positive. Surgery to remove 1/2 tongue, neck dissection, 35 radiation treatments. 11/2007, diagnosed with cancer of soft palate, surgery 12/14/07, jaw split. 3/24/10, cancer on tongue behind flap, need petscan, surgery scheduled 4/16/10
---update passed away 8-27-11---