Hello, I first came here about a month ago. I was diagnosed with SCC stage 1 0r 2 under my tongue. I just had surgery and the doctor says they got it all. They will be keeping an eye on me for a year or so, check-ups every month. a 10% chance of recurrance, they say. I feel very lucky and blessed to have this outcome.

Thanks you so much to all of you who answered my questions and gave advice. You helped me immensely in dealing with this process. I will be around to try and help others.

Randy K

That is great news. Here's to a quick recovery.

Take care,
Eileen

welldone randy stay strong+positive keep us posted as you go along.
regards maz

Randy, that is good news. I am glad the surgery went well. Was it done in a comprehensive cancer center? Is there a plan to do any radiation of the area? Not to be a gloomy Gus, but if you were not treated in a major cancer center, where the doctors are expert at this type of oral cancer, you might want to get a second opinion from someone who works only on oral cancer. Mistreated or misdiagnosed cancers have caused more than one person on this board to have a much harder time of it. So if you were not at a cancer center, I would recommend going to one to get a second opinion. God bless.

Randy,

Congratulations on your successful surgery results. However, I have to second what Kirk said -- if you weren't treated at a major cancer center, I would strongly urge you to get an opinion from one as soon as possible. After my partial glossectomy and neck dissection, my surgeons were convinced that they had gotten everything cancerous with good margins, but my head and neck cancer team still believed the circumstances warranted radiation in addition. That was news I did not want to hear at the time, but with hindsight, I can't second-guess the decision, as I've now gone almost 16 years without a recurrence.

Cathy

Great news Randy, God Bless You and keep you well.
Darrell

Thanks, everybody. The Doctor that did my surgery is an ENT surgeon who removed a friend of mine's throat cancer. (Friend is fine, no recurrance, no problems after many years) He is by reputation an excellent surgeon, but I do not know that he specializes in oral cancers.

I went to three specialists and none of them recommended Radiation... but of course they were surgeons.

Thanks for the cautionary advice. I will check on it.

anyone who has been in a similar situation as I am where you had it done right away not in a major cancer center please let me know your experiences, good and bad. I need the education!

Randy,
My husband's stage of tongue cancer was T2-3 and he had tongue surgery and modified neck dissections with what the oral surgeon said was clear margins and no lymph node involvment. He said Dan did not need radiation and this was a local oral surgeon at a local hospital. Exactly 4 months later Dan had a very aggressive neck tumor followed by a radical neck dissection, chemo and radiation. I hadn't found this site yet and we were NOT at a comprehensive cancer center and did not get any other opinions. I have learned so much since then and would definitely recommend an opinion from a center dealing with oral cancers.
God bless and take care,
Debbie

Randy,

I am excited to hear you have joined the neighborhood. I did not have surgery but I did have chemo/radiation. Please take the time to find a major comprehensive cancer center and get another professional opinion. Often, we are only given one chance to beat the beast and it may be best to have a very experienced team review your care if only for peace of mind.

I am wishing you a lifetime of happiness and health!

Ed