Hi-
Well, I am not sure what to think other than this sucks. I met my new dr at UCSF. He was great. I just didn't like all the things that COULD happen. My new tumor on the left side is larger than the first time 7 years ago. He said I may need a flap or skin graft. That is still pending a discussion with the plastic surgeon. I don't know if radiaton is still an option. I don't think I reached the "max dose" on the left side but my new radiaologist oncologist will confirm with me next week. Dr said I "might" need a trach during surgery due to potential swelling. He also said that there is that risk in general forever like needing a Trach, swallowing, speech may be impacted....i almost passed out. But I think he was going over all surgery risks and I wasn't prepared to hear it. He said I also might be in the hospital for 7-10 days (again sucks as I have a 3 year old).

Anyway, the good news is...he never said I am going to die anytime soon. STILL! THIS! SUCKS!!!!

I appreciate any thoughts or previous experiences from you second and third timers. No chemo is recommended for me at this time.

Age 44. Diagnosed at 34 (2006) with T1N0 SCC tongue on right side. Neck dissed & 6 weeks Radiation. 30% tongue removed. Never smoked;
2nd recurrence 1/2013 on left side. Surgery to remove 2/2013 forearm flap/neck dissec T1N0; brachytherapy 4/2013;
3rd recurrence 11/2015 mandibulectomy for jaw bone cancer Stage IV/no lymph node involvement