Just received my diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma on the base of the tongue - with some spread to nearbye lymph node/s and throat. So here I go on another round of cancer treatment - after having lymphoma 9 years ago.
I saw this site and can see how valuable it is for people to share concerns and progress.
For me, it is important o know a probable prognosis otherwise I'll be left with a fear of the unknown which is much worse.
Tony

Hi Tony!

I'm really sorry to read that you're having seconds. Cancer should be like chicken pox--if you have it once, it won't come back.

There are several folks here on the site who've had base of tongue cancer and who'll be more than willing help you. I had the same type of cancer that you've got but mine was on the left side, toward the front.

Treatment and prognosis really depend on type, stage and location. I had stage 2 SCC, no lymph spread, no mets, so I was treated surgically, no rt, no chemo. Have your docs told you what type of treatment you'll need?

I hope you find what you need here--it's been a really helpful place for a lot of us.

Julia

Hi Tony
Welcome,welcome.
So sorry to hear you have a need to hook up with us but believe me, you'll get no better support wherever you turn.
I fit on the caring end of this outfit so can't offer you specifics of experience that you are seeking now.
Although my husband had SCC, his experience was different to your own. Initially I was like you and really needed to know the prognosis. Of course we were always quoted text book stuff and I soon realised that is the best any doctor can do. Everyone and their experience is so different to another it must be very difficult for them to give specifics. In saying that though I must say, they were ALWAYS open and candid with us. I also learnt (thankfully) that what matters in life is the 'here and now'. EVERYONE should be making the most of every single moment and loving themselves silly, no matter what their condition. Sadly, us humans just don't get it though!
Do you have support from family and friends, Tony? Encourage your carer to use this forum as well because the support and knowledge you will access really is invaluable.
Keep us posted as to your progress, Tony and ask away ~ there will always be someone who can answer your questions.
Love from Down Under
Deborah

Thank you Julia and Deborah for replying. It is valued.
I have yet to see the Oncology team - after a CT scan and tongue biopsy. I am expecting that some time in the next few days but you can see that waiting around is another of the difficult phases. At least the local Hospice pain team are able to advise me on how to manage the increasing pain.
It does look like Radio Therapy and Chemo therapy will be next - but we will see.
I would like to hear what others with the same condition are experiencing.
Tony

Hi, Tonymax. I was diagnosed with squamous cell back in november 08. I have had surgery to tongue removed small chunk. Had no problem with that or the neck disection which one lymphnode was pos. My big problem was the radiation , but I am back to work now for past two months.

MOTB!

So good to hear from you! Hard to imagine back when you were going through rads that you'd be where you are today.

Please check in every so often. There are a lot of newbies and lurkers who appreciate success stories.

Mimi

I try to ck in once a week while at work in my spare time! But I am unable to post while at work some access issue, so can only post from home, hard to do with a 19 month old running everywhere and running into walls with his power wheel!

Hi Tony, I had SCC in my sinus and jaw. Personally I found the radiotherapy was ok but never had chemo.
MOTB, hi, glad things are going well for you. Hagg.

hi tony
damn rotten to get this again,i had chemo and radiotherapy to deal with my base tongue cancer just over 2 years ago now.i wish you all the best tony.love shirl xxx