Hi! I'm Wendy, new to this board. And so grateful this forum is here!

First diagnosis, carcinoma in situ, 1993. Then nothing for 17 years. Recurred in 2010, and again in 2012. Treatment was surgery, alone...no radiation or chemo. Now cancer has re-emerged with a vengeance. Squamous cell. Surgery scheduled for 5/12...will remove most of the front of my tongue and a lot of the left side...doc won't know how much will be necessary until he gets in there. Also, part of jaw bone will be removed and reconstructed using bone from one of my legs. Doc expects to follow with radiation and most likely chemo. Will have a trach tube in for the duration of the radiation (4-6 weeks), and a feeding tube for probably that same length of time.

SCARED. TO. DEATH. How do you deal with the realization that your whole world is going to change so drastically? And what are your experiences with the trach tube...that frightens me.

I feel like such a big baby! I always thought I was a strong woman...well, where is that strength now?

Would appreciate guidance from you who have been, or are going, through the same thing.

Thank you.

Oh, background info: Former smoker (quit in 1974) and drinker (quit in 1973).