Welcome, Rebecca. You will soon get replies from people who know more about base of tongue cancer but I want to commiserate. I know how hard it is to be cast adrift after the initial diagnosis. Once you see the oncologist or a multi-disciplinary panel at MD Anderson you will feel better. You can then focus on treatment and cure.

You're going to have to brace yourself for weeks of treatment and several months to recover. But you're not alone. Most of us have been through radiation with many people having chemo too. We can encourage you through it.

I hope you get your appointment soon. Meanwhile it would be useful to search for BOT cancer and its treatment on OCF's main website.

Wishing you well.

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.