Hello everyone,

Hope you all had a nice holiday weekend. I'm finally posting my first message, even though I've been lurking around this website for some time now.

I have a family member that has late stage tongue cancer. He's being treated at MDACC. His tumor measures 4cm and is in two of his lymphnodes. After reading so much about this cancer I'm left wondering if anyone with stage III/IV tongue cancer make it past five years? I can't believe such a devastating disease has so little awareness. When I first found out about it, I thought certainly they can remove it from his tongue and he'll be fine....wow, was I ever wrong. Is it fair to say that the 50% of people who survive this cancer are the ones that found it in the earlier stages. I know Brian is a survivor, but who else?

I know the cancer is called squamos cell carcinoma, but are there different kinds of cancer under that general title that would make a difference to whether or not the patient can beat it? His is very agressive from what I understand. They are treating him with three rounds of chemotherapy and than doing surgery. After that they may or may not use radiation. The protocol is to not use it, but if he needs it than they will go that route.
Anyone ever hear of this study?

Thanks so much in advance for taking the time to read my message and for replying. It's so wonderful to have a place to come and talk with those who understand how awful this can be. As you can probably tell, I'm so scared of what the future holds.

My heart and prayers go out to each and every one of you!