Hi all. We are newbies to this cancer world. My hubby of 20 years has just been diagnosed with base of tongue cancer, squamous cell, most likely HPV 16+. I have done a ton of research & am fairly well versed, thanks to you all. However, having just returned from first appointment with oncologist, have a few questions.

First off, hubby is big & strong & has no other major health issues. His cancer was found when he felt a lump on right side of neck so lymph node involvement, primary tumor on right side base of tongue (A small lesion) Caught pretty early as he had no symptoms otherwise. Doc says T1N2A. Stage 3. No cancer found anywhere else....phew!!

First off took us 2 weeks to get PET & CT scans done, then met with oncologist next day & now have to wait another 2 weeks before we can see ENT doc. Crazy. We live 10 mins away from UW medical center in Madison which is a comprehensive cancer clinic so we are super fortunate on that end. Soooo is it "normal" to have this much wait time inbetween appointments???? Very frustrating.

We believe surgery plus rad/chemo is likely but if anyone can shed any more light on what we can expect, would be much appreciated!

Trying best to be upbeat & positive but obviously very scared. Thanks all for taking the time to read this & answer.