Hi John
I had stage 1 tongue cancer removed just 6 weeks ago.I had a small ulcer that stayed for longer than 2 weeks,so off I went to the oral surgeon,first biopsy came back stage 1 SCC...went back in the next day and he removed a pretty big chunk of my tongue,not sure how much.The first few days were the worst.Swelling and pain were not that bad,he gave me Loricet,but I only took Motrin every 4 to 6 hrs.eating was pretty hard the first week,but once he removed the stitches after the first week,the healing went really fast.I had alot of reflex pain in the first few days in my throat and ear,so dont be shocked if you experience any of that,it was normal.I too,am only having surgery.I have had 4 different opinions,my oral surgeon,my ENT doc and two oncologists and they all say radiation isnt needed.I have worried myself sick from all of this,so many fears,questions,etc.but none of us have a guarantee in life,cancer or not,so we have to learn how to enjoy and live everyday and hope for the best ..if you need someone to talk to,please feel free to ask
Paige