Hi,

I'm new to this site, and stumbled across it when I was searching for answers to my question about why my teeth move after radiation treatments. Then I stumbled across this thread.

Dear "What would you do",
I was - am - in your very same position. I was diagnosed with tongue cancer last December 2018, had surgery and reconstruction in January 2019, as well as have 50 lymph nodes removed. Also had perineural invasion, and had radiation oncologist and surgical doctors (needed two for the 11-12 hour surgery, which involved taking muscle, tissue and an artery from my left arm for the reconstruction, and removing patch of skin from my thigh to patch up my wrist) initially at odds about whether to pursue radiation. What I made clear with everyone is that I wanted this thing out of my body, that I am a Mom, nearly 50 years old, with two young girls - 14 and 8 - who I MUST see grow up. I MUST be alive and stay alive for them, because they are my heart and soul. With that said, a couple of rounds through the Tumor Board, and the radiation oncologist came around.

I endured 6 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week, at 10 minutes per day to hopefully kill any remaining cancer cells, which ended in April. Awful, awful experience starting with the Michael Myers-like mask that you have to wear. Never thought I was claustrophobic until then. The side effects that come are no joke. One of the best things is that I lost a much needed 50 pounds in the process because I could barely eat.

My end goal is to live as long as possible for my girls. They are my driving force, and I will do practically anything and everything in my power to keep the cancer out. There are no guarantees, of course, but knowing that I am fighting is all I can do. I saw much older people coming and going through radiation and chemotherapy, and they inspired me that if they can do it, then so can I. I have a strong support system of family and friends who have been my cheerleaders. I don't know how old you are, but because I'm older, I didn't want regrets.

No matter what, stay positive, and know that you can do it if you choose to pursue radiation. You're a Mom, and we Moms are born Super Heros. 😉