Had a pre-op appt. with the VA surgeon today. He said the plan is to remove part of the tongue (+- 10% depending on the margins) along with 1 section of a lymph node. About 3 days in the hosp. with a feeding tube in the nostril for nutrition then home. Unless pathology indicates nodal involvement that will be the end of it. I am going to a highly respected surgeon at the UT CCC on Fri. for a second opinion but at this point I am comfortable with the VA doc's plan.

I realize complications could arise but as of now I feel extremely blessed and confident. I will continue to post updates as they occur and questions as they arise.

Thank you all for your posts and encouragement.

Bud

Male, age 65, smoker, former drinker. Retired corp. pilot. diagnosed with stage I squamous cell in the lower tongue. Fairly active. I don't "exercise" exercise but work in the lawn and garden and work on my hot rod cars.