Hello-
I am brand new here. In December my athletic 42 year old husband was diagnosed with stage 1 SCC of the tongue. He has never smoked, never drank alcohol and is HPV negative. We had surgery done locally and it went well. Appeared to have clean margins and the lymph nodes that were removed all tested negative. Radiation was not recommended. Life went on.

A few weeks ago his ENT during follow-up saw an anomaly and ordered a PET scan that lit up in the tongue and neck. Surgical biopsy revealed cancer deeper in his tongue tissue. We are now facing treatment round 2.

I have a lot of faith but I'm also terrified at times. Our children are only 11 & 7. Contemplating my husband's mortality brings fear into my heart.

So. We're getting totally lined up with treatments (radiation, chemo) in our small midsize city but are also going for a second opinion at a CCC. My husband picked UNC as his choice for this and we're lined up with them for next week. I have wondered if we should go to Hopkins because their reputation is so good. He's unconvinced that Hopkins would be that much better than UNC. (UNC is more convenient for us but Hopkins is still only 4.5 hours away...) He feels UNC would be easier on us and less stressful and that's important to him and he's not sure going to a top-five hospital is that different from a top-15 or 20. I will support him no matter what he chooses to do, but am wondering if anyone here has experience with UNC. (I don't feel the need to check up in Hopkins. ;))

Also if anyone has had recurrence and can encourage me, I'd appreciate that. It's scary to be here right now.

Thanks!