I am new to the board. I was diagnosed with tongue cancer in 13 years ago. I have had several reoccurences in that time...the most recent being surgery a few weeks ago. Thanks to the internet for allowing me to not feel alone in my battle.

Hello CMS
Welcome to the board , I am so sorry you have had to go through this again.
You will never be alone as long as you visit here. Any help or advice we can share with you is available at all times.
Keep your chin up , you have beaten it before and you will do so again.
Take Care
Marica

Welcome CMS,

Nice to hear of a 13 year survivor!!! Sorry to hear about the recurrance. How many times has this happened to you in 13 years? What type of treatment did they use on the reoccurrances?

Hoping you continue to beat this diaease back another time!!!

Danny Boy

Thanks for the encouraging words. Some days are easier than others right now.

Not counting the original surgery at age 25, I have had a total of 6 surgeries...with the last 2 (Oct 04 and Aug 05) being cancer...others pre-cancerous. Each time being told that the cancer was removed...thus needing no further treatments. However, with the last 2 occurrences being so close in time, I'm beginning the process of finding out if other treatments are needed to maybe 'prevent' another occurrence. That has me quite scared.

Hi Cms Welcome to the site. So sorry that you
are going threw this again. Please keep us posted
as to how you are doing. I'm a 15 year survivor.
I wish you well.
Cathy

Hi CMS,

I hope that you are seeking treatment at a comprehensive care facility. You don't mention any radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Did you discuss these possibility with your doctor, particularly after the last two surgeries have been so close together? It may be helpful to seek a second opinion for your treatment regimen.
Hope that your recent surgery is your last and that this damn disease leaves you alone from now on. Best, Sheldon

Hi CMS,
Welcome to the board. I have survived this twice and plan to be around for a while even it it comes back. I'm stubborn.

You didn't give us any details about the pre and cancerous conditions that you have had other than it required 6 surguries. Where was the cancer? What type of surgery did you have? The more details you give us, the better we can relate to your particular path on the road with this disease. Everyone's experience is different.

If you notice, most of us have placed our dates of diagnosis and treatment plan in our signature on the profile and comes up with each post. This makes for easy reference. You might want to consider doing this after you have given us the full details, assuming you are willing to share them with us.

Take care,
Eileen

All cancers have been on the left side of the tongue. It seems to be working its way to the back of my mouth. Each surgery has removed portions of that side to get rid of the tumors. Except for the 1st surgery, all have been on an outpatient basis requiring around 2-4 weeks before being able to eat soft, solid foods and longer to be back to eating my regular diet.

Now I am starting the process of determining what other modalities can be used to perhaps 'prevent' another occurrence.

I am going through many emotions lately....anger, self-pity, trying to forget about it, etc. Some days are better than others.

Dear CMS,

As you are discovering first-hand, surgery alone is often not enough to eliminate this disease. Given your history, I would urge you to get to a major cancer center -- there is a list of NCI-designated cancer centers in the "Other Resources" section of this website. If you want to take your best shot at licking this once and for all, it's important to get the input of an experienced head and neck cancer team (with a combination of surgical, radiation and chemo expertise) to evaluate your situation and collectively come up with a recommended course of action.

Cathy

Hi CM and welcome. I am sorry to here of your recent recurrence. The emotions of this disease are certainly had to deal with. You are among friends here. I hope things work out for you this time.

Yours in the battle,
Barb~