Hi Everyone,

Well, my hopes for the coveted false positive were dashed today. The biopsy confirmed cancer in the base of my tongue and in one lymph node. The good news is that a very thorough examination and review of the scans showed not a speck of cancer anywhere else. I am scheduled to see the team on January 7 for scheduling of the surgery. The surgeon hopes to move quickly with it. To fast track me, they made sure the preadmissions testing for the biopsy and scoping was exhaustive enough to cover the full surgery, so that part is all completed. I just have to step into the operating room.

Even though it's not the outcome I was looking for, my anxiety level is much lower than during the couple of weeks running up to the biopsy. I was going crazy with the uncertainty. At least I know now what I am facing and I can stare the enemy straight in the eye. I bounced back from the surgery in great shape the first time. This is certainly more involved and will be harder, but I know I can get through it! My family rocks and is already right there in support of me.


Male, non-smoker, very light drinker, age 56 at diag.
9/18/12 - Diag. tongue cancer, left lateral border HPV 16+
9/24/12 - Partial glossectomy w/recon. Left side neck nodes removed
11/7/12 - Begin rads (30 treat.) and Cituximab (11 treat.)
12/26/12 - Rads compl.
1/18/13 - Cituximab compl.
3/13/13 - PET clear
12/19/13 - Positive PET
1/3/14 - Biopsy confirm cancer in tongue and 1 node (stage 4)
1/16/14 - Surgery - full glossectomy and and right neck dissect