Hi Elizabeth,
You can't let all of this outside stuff shape your treatment plan or decisions. First and foremost is to survive the disease. I take it this latest recurrance is #3? You need to get a consensus from your complete team, including a radiation oncologist. This is why we always recommend a CC or CCC if at possible because you will have access to a coordinated medical team which is vital, especially since this is not your first go around. The tongue is made of very tough. fibrous tissue and more difficult to treat than tonsil cancers for example - if it were me, I would be taking as agressive an approach as is possible based on the history.

Radiation is no walk in the park but some have continued to work and drive themselves to treatment. Many of the experiences shared here are the worst possible case as well and you may just cruise through it. You will be fatigued and unable to keep up your normal pace for a while.

My wife was available all of the time and we still needed a support network. Even with a fulltime caregiver, it can be too much for them and the load must be spread out. Churches are great places to find help, also talk to the hospital social worker. The average person takes one month of recovery for each week of radiation. What about family, friends, neighbors, etc?

Most of us weren't as brave as you think. A lot of us took antianxiety meds and antidepressents when needed (me included). We were all scared out of our wits also (sometimes I still am). I can certainly relate to your fear. You can only take it one day at a time - that's what got most of us through it.