It has been confirmed that the cancer from my tongue has spread to a bone in my spine and maybe other places. I am still waiting to hear about treatment etc. In the meantime I would really like to hear of stories of similar situations. Thank You

Hi Clare,

I dont have a similar situation but just wanted to say to keep your chin up. xx

Clare...

I've been anxiously awaiting a posting, but sure hated to read your news this morning. We were all so in hopes that the tests would prove wrong. But now that we know... Let me again say that there is always HOPE, especially considering your age. While it is unfortunate (beyond words) that you must continue to deal with cancer at a time of life that should be the most happy and carefree... your youth is definitely a plus in terms of having a better response to treatment than those of more advanced ages.

My Danny (thus far) has not had a recurrence since his tongue cancer was declared to be in remission just over a year ago. But I am sure there are other members on this site who have experienced tongue cancer distant metastasis... and will soon discover your posting and respond promptly with their stories of hope and triumph. I shall look forward to reading them too.

My heart goes out to you, Clare. I pray that you will not become mentally-crippled in dispair or inner turmoil (although you will naturally grieve what can only be viewed as a cruel turn of events)... but rather get back in the mode to fight once again and follow the upcoming treatment plan to the letter.

I wish you more strength (mental/physical/emotional) than you have ever known before in your young life.

Let us know how they plan to treat you and what is said about the new areas of disease as perhaps more data is obtained.

Lot of hugs (across the Great Pond) from me to you. I will pray for you unceasingly!! At age 20-something, you deserve the BEST possible outcome... and together we will all anticipate, expect and accept NOTHING short of complete remission... and many, MANY more years to come until you are OLD, gray, cranky... and STILL cancer-free!

From my heart,

Melanie

P.S...

Am I correct that you had only surgery after the original tongue cancer diagnosis? (There was no chemo or radiation, right?)

Dear "T"...

It was good to see a posting by you, which let's me know you are still logging on every now and then.

Any changes or developments with your Dad?

Still praying for you both...

Melanie

Clare, I hope you don't mind me asking, but how did you become aware that the cancer had spread into your spine? Did you have unusual back pains or was it picked up routinely on a scan?

Hello Clare It goes without saying that I am devastated to hear your news. No-one should have to go through this, but at such a young age and having already fought with it once, it defies words.

I hope someone will respond positively and quickly who has experienced a similar situation. My story is not the same but the cancer has spread into my lungs and as I have no symptoms then nothing is being done (as yet) It also spread into my skull and I had Gamma Knife treatment - which is a massive 'one off' blast of radiation to shrink the tumour (which I think has worked). The only reason I'm saying all this is to illustrate that we can be affected in multiple areas and still a) survive b) fight it and c) live life to the full (even at my age!!)

Keep posting on here as often as you can and that way we can all help and support you every step of the way. As Melanie says, you have youth on your side, you have conquered it before and we are confident you will 'knock it for a six' again. With love Bx

Thank you everyone for your support it is really appreciated. I havent got long to post this message but will hopefully have broadband at home very soon and will be able to commmunicate more as I am sure I will need everyones support. The latest is that I will start radiotherapy next week for 5 days on my spine. I will then wait a few weeks to heal before having an operation on the effected vertabrae to remove it and use metal to secure my spine again so that I am not at risk of being paralysed. After that there will be scans and then chemo. So its going to be a tough ride. But I am determined to get through this the best I can.
Steve this was picked up because I had back pain since jan and I didnt accept the GP's opinion that it was muscle pain. I eventually pushed for a bone scan and an xray and thats how it all got to this point. I think everything about my case is very rare ie my age and the fact that it has spread in this way.
I will be in touch soon. Love to all of you.

Hello Clare, just to let you know Ill be with you in spirit next week, I just wish I could be there to hold your hand & give you a hug.You did so well before, you will do your darndest I know, You have a great spirit. Lots of love.