Hi all,

I have quite the conundrum and am looking for “what would you do” opinions. I was diagnosed with stage 2 tongue cancer July 3rd. I just had my surgery August 12th; 20% of my tongue removed (no reconstruction) and neck dissection to take out 35 lymph nodes. The surgeon got negative margins by 4mm and my lymph nodes were clear, so he’s considering me cancer free - his words, not mine- , BUT my lesion/tumor has presence of perineural invasion.

My surgeon/oncologist and radiation oncologist are very torn on whether to pursue radiation. Having gotten negative margins and clear lymph nodes, I am theoretically not a candidate for radiation, but the perineural invasion puts me at higher risk for recurrence. My surgeon basically told me it was my decision to pursue radiation.

I am deathly terrified of radiation given all of the side effects, and hearing nothing but horror stories, but I have a 2 year old and a 1 year old. I need to be here for them... so do I do radiation now and almost guarantee myself a secondary cancer down the road along with the lifetime side effects, or take the chance and pass on radiation? I am so torn. I am not asking for medical advice, but your opinion on what you would do in this situation. I know I am very lucky to have such a decision where most don’t, but those that have gone through radiation, I am curious to know your experiences and if you had a choice given the circumstances, would you do it?

Thanks for reading the long post - and I’m hoping some chime in and help ease my dilemma. ❤️