Virginia: Staging is fairly accurate. Do realize that 20% of those stage IV (or is it 18%) DO survive beyond 5 years. Given the mature age for most oral cancer victims, this isn't bad, but it isn't great. It is hard to live with uncertainty, but there are plenty of people on this site that have lived longer than expected. The statistics are generated at a statewide or nationwide level and one cannot extrapolate (a statistical term) from that higher level to the specific level(your husband's level). You cannot worry about statistics. Just make sure your husband is getting good care & go from there. Tomorrow is promised to no one. My mother used to tell us kids to appreciate my grandmother (her mother) when she came to visit us in California since grandma had had breast cancer and we didn't know how much longer she would be with us. My grandmother outlived my mother (her youngest child) by 12 years and also outlived half of her children. You never know! Marcia & Danny Boy are right, just focus on the moment, stay positive & don't worry about the numbers. Good luck - Candace