Hi Sue,

Sorry I didn't answer your question about what type of surgery to expect, but it sounds like you may not be needing surgery anyway. I sure hope the chemo and RAD works. There are several people on the board that have had the chemo/RAD and it has worked great with no surgery needed except sometimes a neck dissection. I wonder sometimes if Heather would have been better off with chemo and RAD instead of surgery, but that's something we will never know. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any way to know the best course of treatment ahead of time.

As far as the issue about your teeth, I can't help you there. Heather had strong teeth with no problems and it wasn't even suggested that she have any pulled. The surgeon did remove 2 when he did the glossectomy and mandibulotomy, but that was so he could obtain clean margins. It sounds like you are getting good advice from Eileen, Mark and the others.

Stay strong, be positive and always ask questions until you understand and are comfortable with everything the doctors recommend. You have to be your own advocate and keep on top of things. Even the best doctors in the world don't know your body like you do. If something doesn't seem right, question it until you're satisfied with the answer. Good luck and keep us updated on your progress.

Rainbows & hugs, wink
Rosie

Was primary caregiver to my daughter Heather who had stage IV base of tongue SCC w/ primary recurrence. Original diagnosis August 21st, 2002. Primary recurrence March 18th, 2003. Died October 6th, 2003.