Was encouraged by the VA surgeon's plan of action but wanted a second opinion for peace of mind. Civilian doc at UTCCRC was even more encouraging so I decided to go with him. His plan is to remove the tumor from the tongue to the point of clear margins. No neck dissection planned at this point based on what he sees now. He says the area he plans to excise should not result in long term hindrance to speech or swallowing. He predicts an overnight hosp. stay and several weeks of discomfort (I read that pain) during the healing process. He says that, after the operation, I'll be on the "5 year plan" of monitoring for recurrence. My operation is scheduled for 1 week from tomorrow. I feel so blessed that we might have the chance to kill this beast before it gets out of its cage. I will post updates. Thanks again for all your encouragements.

Bud