Welcome, Madelaine. Sounds as if you are doing well. I too experienced oral cancer as my second cancer with 11 years between advanced ovarian cancer (cured) and my first bout of tongue cancer. The body takes a right old battering!

My tongue cancer has recurred but one of my doctors implied that I am in a small percentage of patients in whom new primaries occur over time. You have a very good chance of being in the 80% who get away without a recurrance.

I was 63 when I had my first BIG tongue surgery and reconstruction. I was amazed how well my aging body coped with that. Early last year I had another big surgery at 67 years old and once again the body bounced back to normal health. I have dental and eating problems now but the rest of the body just ploughs on as normal. I've gained a lot of knowledge on this site about the need to consume a lot of protein to aid healing.

Best wishes!!!

1996, ovarian cancer surgery + cisplatin and taxol.
September, 2007, SCC of left lateral tongue. Excision.
October, 2009 recurrence in scar tissue, T1NOMO. Free flap surgery from left wrist - neck dissection. 63 year old New Zealander. No chemo, no RT.
February, 2014. New primary in left buccal mucosa. Marginal mandibulectomy, neck dissection, right arm free forearm flap. T1N0M0 but third occurrence and some areas of concern: RT started 8 April and finished 19 May.