 "OCF Down Under, Kiwi" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 644 Likes: 1 | I feel for you, Denise. that initial news is as if a chasm has opened up in front of you.
We have free medical care here and in the past I've taken sick leave. You might have a small tumour that needs a minimal excision ... if it's bigger, reconstructive surgery and if there are other relevant prognostic factors you might need radiation. I always look at the worst case scenario then hope like mad for the best. At least your dentist picked it up!
Whatever the diagnosis and treatment is, be assured that surgeons can do marvellous things with tongue surgery now.
Having no partner/caregiver can be daunting but is manageable. People turn up to help. There are support groups and the Cancer Society.
And we will be here:)
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.
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