Jo has recently been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. She has a long-term history of erosive lichen planus of the mouth which is an autoimmune disease. Within the last 6 months, the area on her tongue changed so that she was referred to the Head and Neck Oncology Department at Methodist Hospital. Staging of the cancer is still pending but at this point, it looks that there are no lymph nodes involved. The good news is, as of now, no radiation or chemotherapy is planned. The bad news is, all of her many, many lunch dates will be put on a temporary hiatus.
Surgery is planned for 3/2/22 at Methodist to remove the tumor and then use a free flap surgery to reconstruct the area. The surgery is anticipated to be 6-8 hours with a possible inpatient hospital stay of 5-7 days. Post surgery, they ask that visitors be limited to immediate family only. Please feel free to message your well wishes through this site and we will pass along to her.
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It has been one year since Mom's surgery and the doctor visits confirm there has been no sign of the return of cancer. She is as active as ever - walking dogs, riding horses, going to Creighton basketball, etc. We are all so grateful for Jo Morton and even more grateful she is feeling good. Thank you for all of your prayers.