Hi Paul,

Wanted to welcome you and add my 2 cents worth. I was diagnosed with stage IV tongue cancer and underwent a total glossectomy with right and left neck dissection last July. Five out of 53 nodes tested postive for cancer from the right neck dissection, no nodes out of 34 from the left dissection. I underwent 37 radiation treatments combined with 3 chemo treatments of cisplatin. I also had a peg and trach which I'm happy to say I had removed on April 1 of this year. Radiation was by any means a picnic in the park but I felt that I went in with all the amunition the doctors could give me. I remember meeting my surgeon after diagnosis (and scared as HELL)and he gave me two options: they could try radiation and chemo first with surgery afterwards if necessary OR I could have the surgery followed by radiation and chemo. To be honest the first option sounded a hell of a lot better to me but the doctor was honest in telling me that surgery after radiation would be much more difficult. I've only been out of treatment since November and with all I've been through I can honestly say I'm glad with the decisions I made and felt that I gave it my all. Anti-nausea meds helped me through chemo and although I was tired towards the end of my radiation treatments, I still drove myself to them. I was home from work during treatments but still managed to get out and walk a couple of times a day. I obviously can't tell you what's best for you, but for me I feel good knowing I did all I could to beat this ugly monster.

My time is also up on my soapbox so thanks for listening. Believe me when I tell you that everyone here is great and very knowledgeable in what you are and will be going through.

Nancy