I haven't written in for a while so I thought I'd take a moment to update everyone on my husband's progress. He is 35 yrs. old, non-smoker and had Stage 2/3 tongue cancer. I say Stage 2/3 because he was originally diagnosed with State 2 SCC but once they removed the tumor (half of his tongue), the cancer had invaded one of the nerves in the tongue and they can't guarantee that it hasn't spread farther up the nerve (it ultimately goes to his brain), so it's now being referred to Stage 3 cancer.

On November 21st he had 1/2 of his tongue removed and the lymph nodes on the right side of his neck. They were cancer-free. His tongue has healed quite well and his speech is getting better with each passing day.

Because the cancer had invaded the nerve, the ENT and Onc recommended Radiation Therapy. My husband was upset because he was hoping he wouldn't need it but understands their reasons. He has had 2 treatments so far. He is trying to stay optimistic but is increasingly thinking about the the future and the possiblity of the cancer returning. The Onc has told us that Radiation the second time around isn't effective and they can't really remove any more of the tongue than what they already have and Chemo alone doesn't cure head & neck cancers.

To top things off, we found out one of his high school friends died last year of brain cancer. He had Radiation Therapy and the Dr. was optimistic that they got it all but he died less than 2 years after being diagnosed.

Although I've explained to him what happened in his case doesn't mean the same result for him but he can't get it off his mind.

If anyone has had their cancer recur and beat it the second time, I'd love to hear for you so I may pass it on to him.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and reply,
JudyB

Judy,
If you will go to Survivor Stories here at the forum and click on " Long Time Survivors " you will read the story of my friend, William Phelan, who has had oral cancer and recurrences since 1980 or so. He has gone through some rather grim procedures, but is still alive and doing quite well.
Unfortunately all of us cancer patients and survivors have to live with the sword dangling precariously above our heads...but it does not necessarily spell our demise.

Take care,
Danny G.

Please also go to the people section of the website and read "Ricks" story. 20 years out now from his extensive treatments and healthy as a horse. The statisics can be grim, but we are all unique biological individuals, not numbers.