Hello to all. My name is Chris Partlow, I am a healthy 42 yo oncology RN that found a lump on my tongue on 7/21/08(my birthday!) I have a longstanding hx of canker sores that occur from time to time on my tongue, otherwise no predisposition(no smoke,chew, social alcohol)Imagine my shock when diagnosed with SCC tongue and underwent selective left lymphnode dissection, and partial glossectomy on 8/7/08. The surgery has left me with a large neck incision and about 1/3 of my tongue removed. They feel that because all 29/29 lymph nodes were negative that chemo and radiation are not indicated at this time(Yaa Hoo!)I unfortunately bear way too much knowledge in the area of head neck ca just because of my profession! The plan is monthly checks with repeat PET in 6 months and I am given an 80% 5 year survival.Now I know as well as you all that statistics are not something to base your life on! But it does give one a different view, as my thought prior to this cancer was a 5 year 100% survival! Cancer sure throws a monkey wrench in everything! I am by nature a very positive person and have watched the effects of faith/attitude/determination on my patients, so a good attitude is absolutely key. I look forward to joining your group and appreciate all the advice/support offered. I know I am truly blessed to have found this so early. It grew in just a few weeks time, and doubled it's size in 2 weeks!