Not sure if I am posting this the correct place or not. I was recently diagnosed with a recurrence, this time base of tongue, and area. I will most likely be looking at some very invasive surgery with very intense lifestyle changes. I would have been 5 years out this summer, and had been very proud to think of myself as a survivor until this latest diagnosis. Am I still a survivor or did that status go away with this recurrence?

Last edited by zengalib; 03-10-2014 03:07 PM.
Female, nonsmoker, 70, diag. 5/09 after tongue biopsy: stage IV. Left hemi-gloss. and left selec. neck disec. 30 lymph nodes removed May 20. Over 7 weeks daily rads. with three chemo. PEG removed 12/4/09 Am eating mostly soft foods. Back to work 11/09 Retired 4/1/11. 7 clear scans! Port out 9/11. 2/13. It's back: base of tongue, very invasive
surgery involving lifestyle changes. 2/14: Now speaking w/Passey-Muir valve. Considering a swallow study. Grateful to be alive.