Hello my name is Paul,


This August I notice a pain on the left side of my tongue. My first thought was a canker sore, and I tried the my usual OTC medication--which usually gets rid of them. After a couple weeks of no results, I went to my PCP, and he prescribed Lidocaine, after a couple weeks of that without results I went back to my PCP. He then prescibed Tetracycline which had the same effect. So on my next visit, which I was prescribed another antibiotic, I ask to see a specialist.
I saw the specialist on Nov 1st, who took a biopsy. November 7th my results cam back as cancerous, and I went in for a CT scan Nov 9th, which thankfully came back as limited to my tongue. My specialist is now scheduling me to go to either Dana-Farber in Boston, or Darthmouth-Hitchcock in Vermont, to have surgery and begin treatment.
My wife and I are trying to stay very positive. If anyone had any suggestions on how we can prepare, and some positive stories about survival I could really use it. Just turning 27 and having a newborn of 3 months, I have a lot to live for, and will do what it takes to see my son grow up. Thanks for you thoughts and time.

Paul a.k.a novalty

Age 27: Diagnosed 11/1/07 with Oral cancer localized in the left side of my tongue & 1 lymph node. Upper Neck Disection Surgery 12/17/07, removed left side of tongue and a few lymph nodes. Post surgery treatment: 30 days Radiation, 4 Treatments of Cisplatin. Completed treatments 3/27/08.