Hello, I'm Carol and new to this forum although not new to oral/neck cancer. I reside in Edmonton, Alberta and one year ago underwent surgery for tonsil cancer, floor of my mouth and unfortuately a cyst in my left neck as well.

The surgery was 14 1/2 hours long and very invasive - the surgeon removed the cancer and replaced the section in my mouth with a flap from my left arm (artery and vein) so I would not require reconstructive surgery. Worked wonderfully. I had 31 radiation treatments to my face and neck - was off work for 10 months during the surgery, radiation - lost weight (which I needed to do). Anyhow, the prognosis is excellent and I'm feeling great.

I have few residual side effects from the surgery - left side of my tongue is "numb", a bit of difficulty swollowing but aside from those symptoms doing great.

Follow up with our local cancer centre is every two months for at least two years.

I look forward to hearing from others who may have had as radical surgery as I.