Dear Minnick,

I know about recurrent cancer. I had a stage I/II SCC removed from right side of tongue in early Nov 2003 with no node involvement. By late Dec 2003 noticed another growth under tongue. By the time of surgery on 3 Feb 04, it became Stage 4 anterior and base of tongue, floor of mouth, and pharynx. Had subtotal glossectomy, recontructed tongue forearm free flap and other pharynx and floor of mouth fixes lasting 12 hours.
36 rad treatments ending in May 04 with cellulitis infections in June and Oct 2004.
Been on PEG tube ever since. Started swallowing therapy in Dec 04 and ongoing.
It's a long hard road but through the help of family and my therapist I've improved. I ask a lot of questions and always seeks better ways to get treatment. There have been times I wanted to give in to it but somehow was given the strength to keep going. I've tried to keep busy and this is a great forum to correspond with people having similar problems.
I agree that he should go to a comprehensive cancer center. All the best, Jim