Hi Marni and welcome,

Great to hear you do not have to have radiation but I certainly hope you have been getting regular cancer checkups. I too had a stage 2 SCC right lateral tongue which resulted in a partial glossectomy (25%) in 3 November 2003. Had clear margins and no lymph node involvement with a clean bill on Dec. 1, 2003. No radiation was recommended.

However, just before Christmas, I noticed a small growth starting just under the tip of my tongue. By the time of my 2nd surgery on Feb. 3, 2004, I the SCC had grown so aggressively I had to have a near total glossectomy and 36 radiations.

I am relating this not to frighten but simply urge anyone in your position to be very diligent about oral care and regular checkups. I pray you never have a recurrence and enjoy life. But after one has had this disease, life is never quite the same. Just use common sense and be watchful without fretting.

Jim
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SCC Rt lateral tongue Dx 9/03, Surg 11/03 (T2/N0M0);recur SCC BOT and anterior tongue Dx 1/04; surg 2/04 (T4/N0M0) subtotal glossectomy, forearm free flap, floor of mouth reconstruction,pharyngoplasty;trach until 3/04;PEG still have; 36 rad (3/04-5/04)therapy 12/04-12/05; 2 esophagus endoscopies