Hi there,

I'm Tamara. I was diagnosed with SCC(T2 N1) on 29 Oct 08. I went into hospital in Sydney on 10 Nov for a partial glossectomy, neck dissection and tracheostomy. My first flap failed and died (which I hear is pretty rear) so both my forearms have wrist to elbow scars.

I've just had my 30th birthday, and this has all come as a tremendous shock for me. I've never smoked and hardly drink, so my Doctors suggested HPV might be the culprit, through this has not been confirmed.

My Doctors are not recommending radiation for the moment, because of my age and the associated risks of radiation related cancer later in life...but this may be on the table in the future.

I feel like I'm on the other side of the mountain for the moment, but am trying to adjust to living with this and figuring out where I go from here.

It's really great to have found this forum.

Tamara

Diagnised 29th Oct 08 (29 years old): SCC, T2N1 - partial glossectomy (25%); flap construction (twice - first one died); neck dissection 8 nodes removed, 1 node positive; trache - 14 days, partially collapsed lung. No radiation at this time.