Hi Lori,

Sorry for your news. I was 39 at diagnosis. I had surgery, lost half my tongue, reconstructed with my forearm. I was fortunate in that there was no further spread, so at this point, no chemo/rad either.

The good news is I was back to work within 3 weeks of my surgery (I'm a lawyer), and full time not too long after that. Things are back to normal, although I am much more cognizant of my mortality, and have started working to live, rather than living to work.

Cancer sucks, but it is something you can fully recover from. Good luck on the upcoming tests, and keep us posted.

Tina
Diag: Aug. 13/12
T3N0M0
50% + glossectomy and bilateral radical neck dissection, removal of nodes zones I - V
Surgery October 11/12
Chemo/rad on hold due to clear margins and nodes
Sept 21/13 clear CT with anomaly thought to be the artery, being watched closely.
Dec 16/13 - anomaly confirmed artery, all clear
nickname: "get 'r done"
Plans: kick cancer's butt