I am glad to find this site since my sister-in-law (56) was just diagnosed with stage IV tongue cancer. At this point, I don't know the formal designation of the type of cancer. Her ENT referred her to a surgeon at the University of Kansas Medical Center who seems to have excellent credentials and experience in this surgery and reconstruction.

Basically, he told her that she will loose at least 2/3 of her tongue and part of her lower jaw. He will take a bone from her left arm to reconstruct the jaw. Being stage IV, there is cancer in some lymph nodes, but I don't know if this will be addressed in the same surgery.

My wife is on the way to be with her during the upcoming tests next week--a vascular study, cardio workup, CT scan and feeding tube installation.

It's my understanding that the CT scan will check her lungs for cancer, and if it's present, they will treat that before the surgery since the 10-12 hour procedure is really taxing.

There's a good possibility that the feeding tube will be permanent and we won't know what's possible to expect for speech until the surgery other than significant impairment. Radiation and/or chemo are probable, depending on test results. We're fortunate that a good friend in the area is a nurse in a large oncology practice, so we have a good source of answers and information in that area.

I've tried searching the site for similar cases, but it's kind of hard to sort everything out. Any information from those who have had similar experiences would be appreciated. We don't know what to expect other than a rough time for a while.

Thanks,

bob