I am not sure if I know enough to even be writing this... On Feb. 3 I had surgery (neck dissection, 1/3 of tongue removed, flap from forearm, skin graft to arm), SCC floor of mouth, T2,N0. When pathology came back, three margins clear, the other not. So yesterday on the 27th, surgery again. This time removed rest of my bottom teeth other than two, gum tissue, part of bone on gum. Dr. never showed up after to talk to family so today two of his associates came. They said that from preliminary, they do not think it spread to bone but will not know for sure until pathology. They also were surprised I was not expecting radiation (the main doc had told me he did not think I would have to have it). They backed off when they saw I had no clue that was in the works and said I would have to discuss with him. I was doing so well, they released me.

Soooo...next Friday I meet with main doc and will know more which will be a relief, and is why maybe even posting is wrong to do not knowing anything...but I am anxious and wanted to hear from some of you.

1. If radiation is a "toss up" and really a choice...what are your thoughts? It seems the more I read on this forum many believe it should be done to be very aggressive from the beginning with this. So your thoughts please...I know T2 N0 is a good thing...but what are pros and cons (or your ideas)?

2. If I do radiation, what are some preliminary things I should also do to prepare? For example, someone mentioned a "small mouth" or something, a therabite??? What is that? What is the medication to help your saliva glands? Should I ask for this IMRT? Should you have this PEG put in first? What else should I do ahead of time?

I do not mind telling you that my spirits have been terrific through all this, I have recuperated nicely. There are down things like the flap is HUGE pushing my tongue to one side, making speech horrid, and I have been on and will be on liquids (possibly for a year they say if I have radiation) because I have no bottom teeth now, and the tongue problem does not permit me to swallow well. Even with no radiation, he will not "trim" for a couple months, and with will be far longer. But I am coping...I am scared mostly of the radiation...for the first time something is getting to me...but I will do it if it gives me a better chance. Guess I just want you all to talk to me if you don't mind. Thank you.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma, floor of mouth. T2 N0 M0. Diagnosed January 2004. Partial glossectomy, right neck dissection, removal of floor of mouth, gum, bottom teeth, flap from forearm, skin grafts.