So Now What Do We Do?

15 Jan 2010, Terry and I go to see Dr. Eller. Not as long of a wait in the waiting room this time. Dr. Eller sits us down and goes over the pathology report. 2.4 centimeter tumor, T2, N0, M0, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), on the back of the tongue. Dr. Eller goes over what all that means and our heads spin. Next comes a lot of talk about possible procedures, surgery, chemo, radiation, combinations of each, radical neck disections, speech therapy, not being able to swallow, dry mouth, feeding tubes. Lots of notes that now don’t make any sense. Dr. Eller sets me up with appointments with hematology, radiation therapy, speech therapy and says we’ll meet again once I’ve talked to everyone else and gotten their sales pitch.