JJ,

My final diagnosis was T2, N1, M0. I had a 40% partial glossectomy and right side neck disection. The margins were clearly defined and clean. Of the 46 lymph nodes removed 45 came back clean. The one that was positive for cancerous cells was (in the words of my surgeon) encapsulated, very small and closest to the tumor. He explained that the cancer was contained well within the node and it was in the very earliest stages. For these reasons, and other factors, he didn't believe radiation was indicated. I placed my trust in him to do the surgery and I agreed with his reasoning.


Your second question: I needed to have a trach put in and was doped up pretty good for a few days. They did a "radial forearm free flap reconstruction." In other words they cut a piece of my left forearm and rebuilt the tongue. My surgery was on a Friday and I was discharged on the Monday of the following week 11 days later. I was heavily medicated for two days. By Weds I wasn't asking for pain meds anymore. My discharge was actually delayed two days because of a mixed up with the home health care. The delay actually helped in that I was able to leave the hospital without the trach. and only a nasal feeding tube left to deal wth. As a priest my biggest concern at that point was my ability to speak. Within a month I was comfortable enough with my speech to return to the parish and preaching.

The question of retiring can be looked at alot of different ways. I woud suggest this for your consideration: would retiring earlier than you wanted to be something you welcmoe or would it be better to return to work for a short while after the surgery to reclaim a sense of returning to your "normal life" first? No one can answer that but you. Many of us have spoken here about wanting to feel normal again. But for each of us what we need to do to get there is different.

If you do choose to retire earlier than you expected by all means enjoy the unexpected extra time away from workinig with those grandchildren of yours. I suspect they will help you feel "normal" faster than anything else.

My prayers are with you as you head into your surgery and then enter the recovery stage of your fight.

Peace,

Fr. Mike