Well, the first phase is mostly over. She had surgery a week ago. The tumor in the tongue was larger than hoped so most of the tongue and lower jaw were removed as well as all lymph nodes in the neck.

She went home today,with my wife's support, so the healing is going well My wife is amazed at the reconstruction of the lower jaw. She thinks after the swelling goes down and dentures are fitted, her outer appearance will be essentially unchanged. She is able to speak with limitations, but that should improve with healing and therapy, but will be quite impaired.

The doctor is cautiously optmistic about swallowing, but they will not really address that until healing is more complete and she can begin therapy.

The most discomfort now, is in her left arm, where they took bone and veins and in her thigh where they took a 3x6" patch of skin.

After several weeks of healing, the radiation and chemo will begin.

bob