I seriously was not sure which forum to post this under since the doctors say this is not a recurrence. As you can see from my signature my husband was diagnosed in 2009 with Stage IV HPV+ Base of Tongue cancer. Life has been amazing for the past few years even while dealing with some minor after affects from the radiation and hearing loss from the chemo. John discovered a sore on the left side of his tongue a few weeks ago. He also had to have a root canal done 3 weeks ago and a tooth extraction next to the lesion last week. He is currently day 6 of 10 hyperbaric oxygen dives. When his oral surgeon did the biopsy he was honest with him and said it didn't look good. He called John on Tuesday that the biopsy was positive for HPV- squamous cell carcinoma. He called down to the CCC and got him in with their top doc yesterday. I sort of knew what the prognosis and treatment plan was going to be having been on these boards for years, but it's still shocking and hard to hear. He is going for a PET Scan on Monday and an MRI on Tuesday to try and determine how large and invasive the tumor is. His original tumor was on the right base of tongue and since this is on the left and he is 10+ years out of treatment his doctor said that it is not a recurrence. He will be having a partial glossectomy with reconstruction flap from his forearm. He will also do a left neck dissection and will be placing a trach and nasal feeding tube. He said that John already has limited tongue mobility from all the radiation he received. He said the main objective is to get clean margins and function and mobility to the tongue.

To say I am beyond scared sh*tless is an understatement. I just can't believe we are here again. I guess I was naive in not knowing or having heard about people getting oral tongue cancer after base of tongue cancer. I am very confident in his doctor, and know he is in good hands. It takes me an hour to get to the city so I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for what lays ahead. Thanks for letting me share and vent. Wanda

Sorry you've gotten this news, Wanda. <3 It is hard to be back, thinking about surgery again. I just went through a recurrence with my dad. You can do this! One day at time. You've got great doctors and your hubby is strong.

Wanda, I am so sorry to hear all that you and your husband have been through and now you're facing more. My husband's doctor is also Dr. Shanti and I can't say enough good things about him and the whole team, but especially him. He's just got a really nice way about him. I'll send good thoughts and vibes your way!

Oh Wanda, NOOO!!!! I am sooo sorry to read about Johns cancer diagnosis!!! Its always so shocking when reading about a new diagnosis in our old-timer members. Im sure thats an understatement for the shocking news you received out of the blue.

Sounds like he is in very competent hands at a top CCC. As you already know, thats the perfect place for complex cases like Johns. This time around you know the medical jargon and have a general idea of whats ahead.

Please keep us updated as things progress. We're all in your corner. Im wishing you both all the very best with everything!!!

Wanda,

I’m so sorry you and your husband need to start another fight. Oral cancer is really an insidious, cruel disease. Do keep us posted on developments.