Hello Rebecca, I'm so sorry that you too need to be here. That said, this is a wonderful site for information and support. A diagnosis of cancer just completely throws your life into disarray doesn't it. It does take time to wrap your head around it . But, you will get through this.
I think your plan to get an opinion from MD Anderson is a good one. This is a Comprehensive Cancer Centre, a CCC, and you will get expert and cutting edge treatment there. You should then be seen by a whole " Tumour Board" , this comprises Head and Neck surgeons, chemo oncologists, radiation oncologists, dental oncologists, Speech language therapists, dieticians etc. This gives a whole of team approach to your individual case. A treatment plan that is best for you is decided upon by the whole team.
BOT - base of tongue - cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy and radiation. Make sure that your biopsy was tested for the HPV virus. About 70% of BOT cancers are caused by this virus. The good news is that they are more responsive to the chemo and radiation than nonHPV. There is a survival advantage to being HPV positive. Who knew there'd be good news?
Christine and others will come along shortly and give you heaps more advice on things like nutrition and dental care.
Keep posting , we will be here for you.
Tammy


Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis
DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT.
PET 6/11 clear.
R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED
Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in.
March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!