Hi Anil12,

 I think these things are different for everybody and depend on your mental state and ability to

 weather the storm. All I can do is tell you of my experience and feelings.

 I an 82 now, I was 71 when I was given the news - actually on my birthday.

 The Professor ( One of the top 2 in France) said its cancer - you have six months (long pause)

 or an operation 6 plus hours with a 50/50 chance of another 5 years. or you can go home with

 a lot of morphine.

 I was surprised how unruffled I felt and opted for the operation.

 He explained what would be done.  -- cut through my chin and carry on down each side to the

 back of my jaw and then down my throat on each side. This would allow them easy access to

 my tongue.  

 I would not be able to talk or eat! 

 I had the Op 2 weeks later. I came to in bed with a tube up my nose and a trachea tube

 in my throat.

 All of which sounds pretty horrid - but I suffered no pain at any time.  I was in hospital for 3 weeks

 one of which because I picked up a blood infection.

 I was very fit prior to the Op. which helped a lot.

 When i got home I was very weak and going for radio therapy was hard work. I could only walk

 about 100 yds and then had to stop and recover. This of course improved over time. I had 

 6 weeks of daily RT (weekdays only) and chemo on fridays. I was lucky that this gave me

 no problems.

 As soon as I was able I started taking brisk walks (about 3 kilometers). We live in the countryside

 in France.   As I walked I looked at the view and was glad to be alive.

 My wife has been very supportive through all this which helped a great deal.

In case you think I may be too dim to be worried - I have an IQ of 140.

 How you cope with it I guess depends on your personality - I am a fighter.

 I can make myself understood to my wife and close friends - but they have to concentrate.

 I cannot eat but I can manage small sips of 20% wine 80% water.

 I have no regrets with my choice - Life!

 Hope this helps. - Good Luck

 Colin          

  PS. They removed my soft pallat which accounts to a fair degree with my speech and eating difficulties.