David,
I did not realize what I agreed to when I told the oncologist to go ahead with the surgery and radiation/chemo approach to my Stage IV base tongue cancer. But I am so happy today that I did. This January will be 5 years since the initial surgery. No cancer reacurring so far. Yes it was not easy, but eventually I got off the feeding tube and forced myself to swallow. I still to this day am on a liquid diet (use blender) but get all the nutrients I need. My wife has been my guardian angel and has been there through it all. But constantly has offered nothing but positive feedback. It has helped a great deal. One must hang tough and want to beat the disease. It can and will happen.