Sophia: I am currently going through much the same as you. I had 1/4 or my tongue removed in 2000 and 33 rad treatments to the left side. I was cancer free until December of 2007. I noticed a spot again on the left side. It was positive. Because I had external radiation before they could not do it again but since all test ( MRI, PET and Cat ) showed no sign of any cancer anywhere else they were going to try and do the internal radiation inplants and try to save more of my tongue. Well just before I was to have it done, I noticed a spot on the right side of my tongue and the floor of my mouth. I had to have a bio done on them and they were positive. My ENT and radiologist both told me that I would need a full glossectomy. My ENT said it was too much for him to do so he sent me to a oncologist surgern. He gave me some hope. I am starting chemo next week, one day a month for 2 months and then surgery. The new Dr. did not make any promises about saving my tongue but seems to be willing to give it a try. I am scared too. I read Kate's blog and it really helped. I am 68 years old but still working and very active. I am ready to fight. If I could only have 1/2 my tongue I would thank God for that!!. I go in for a body scope and port for the chemo on Thursday of next week and then start the chemo. I am going to try and work at least a few days a week to pass the time. Keep us all informed on what's going on with you and I will do the same. Maybe we can help each other get through this.
Con

good morning to all of you.I am really totally confused because i don't know if i will make it through after the surgery. currently i am treated for some bronchial problems that i have since childhood, in order to get ready for the surgery. in the meantime i had a chemo last Thursday in an attempt to try keep things under control. i had a small dose of cisplatin, 5 FU & Erbitux. i can repeat the chemo after 2 weeks, but then i will have to wait another 10 days to recover from the chemo and time is not on my side. now i feel very tired, with no energy left, and very depressed too. i also have noticed a spot on the left side, the side that till now was the healthy one, that needs to be checked. i never had things progressing so fast till now. and the fact is that you don't know what is best for you, because all the possible solutions are not sure they will work. i was thinking of having a second chemo trying to shrink the cancer but if this doesn't work i would have lost precious time. and with the breathing problems that i have how should i make it through after the surgery? con my ENT told me that i would have a 1/2 glossectomy with free flap but all that before the new spot on the right. now till we find out what this new spot is to be left with 1/2 of my tongue it would be a really good option. in your case what combination of drugs your Dr. will use? i hope the chemo to work for you and to melt the cancer. have you ever tried before chemo or is it the first time? be strong and positive thinking, hope for the best for all of us.
kate thank you very much for all your prayers and support. you are so good! god always be blessing you.
xoxxx

Cisplatin, 5 FU & Erbitux I think that is the magic trio for tongue cancer here in the US too so you are in good hands. I know it is sooo so confusing to have do many different opinions on what the best treatments are.Its so patients specific- sometimes peopel respond tot he chemo and sometimes they don't-- it really varies patient to patient.

If you have to get the glossectomy full or partial you will be able to deal with it. IT is HARD but not impossible to recover and lead a failry normal life again.

My heart goes out to you both- I know this is a SO tough!!!

Be strong - Be brave and hang in there.

Hugs and Kisses to you both.

Kate

Sophia: Just letting you know that we care about you, and are hoping and praying for the very best outcome possible!

Lois & Buzz in NC