Just signed up and first time on board. My husband was diagnosed with Stage II/III SCC mobile tongue in late July. One week later he had 1/3 mobile tongue removed, lymph node dissection both sides (clear), trach, feeding tube, etc. He is 48 and we have never been very sick or hospitalized. He is doing fairly well and back to work already. He has an extremely dry mouth and neck cuts hurt and pull. I am the basket case, very fearful, crying alot. He now has another "spot" on his tongue further back from the surgery. They will scope and look closer next week. I just wanted some advice on how to cope with each new possible "problem". I am a Christian and have God in my life and good friends. But I feel so alone in this life/death health issue. My husband (Dan) and I talk about the cancer, sometimes laugh (to get through), but I think about it all day and night. People tell me they knew someone with this who died and I don't think they mean it, but it's really the last thing you need to hear just 2 months post surgery. Just wanted some advice.
Thanks,
Debbie/Caregiver
Columbia, MD

Debbie/Caregiver/wife of Dan, diagosed with SCC tongue, Stage II/III, 1/3 tongue removal, lymph node dissection both sides of neck, skin graph 7/30/03. Left tumor found - radical left neck dissection 12/24/03. Could not get all of tumor/wrapped around carotid artery and in wall of jugular. 1/12/04 beginning of 6 doses of Taxol/Cistoplatin once a week, and rad 70 gray 5 days a week/6 weeks.