I cant tell you how thankful I am to have found this forum. The oncologist told us that Erik is the youngest patient that he has ever seen with this form of cancer, he is baffled because, as with many of the tongue cancers on this forum, Erik has no risk factors. We will be having surgery on Wednesday Jan 11th they will be removing about a third of his tongue and having a lymphectomy. Im sure my jargon isnt all correct yet, it has happened so fast. From diagnosis to surgery. He is T3N1M0, I hope that is right. Two weeks after he is released from the hospital, he will start chem and radiation and Eribitux. I am quitting my job, and have had a real peace about this decision, not only will he need me but we also have an 11 year old daughter and 8 year old son, who will need some extra mom time. I guess it is all of the unknowns at this time, I am thankful for this site, it gives me a little insight into what the future holds. I do have a fabulous church family and am leaning on them a great deal right now. I am wondering how difficult is this surgery going to be? Will he be in alot of pain after? How will he get pain meds, if he cant swallow, and what is a peg?