I'm hoping all went well yesterday. Hospital sucks, no doubt, I was in for 9 days (I had a trach tube for a week), and about ready to lose my mind when they finally sprung me. Communication is frustrating, but gets better each day.

The OT kept telling me it gets better, but the first 5 days didn't seem that way, then I turned the corner. Make sure you sleep when you can - I didn't sleep at night much, so I was tired. Much better when I was home.

Have socks/slippers. I was very cold for the first few days!

All,

Thanks so much as always for your support! The hospital experience was pretty rough, but I did get discharged over the weekend so it's good to be home. It's been a little tough adjusting, especially having so much trouble swallowing and being frustrated at not being able to talk or be understood when I try. Along with watching everyone else around me cook and eat together! But, I'm dealing the best I can.

On a positive note, the surgery was a success on the tongue! I was told there were clear margins so that is good news. I don't have the pathology report back yet though. My doctor said a couple of the lymph nodes still seemed abnormal, but that he probably wouldn't recommend radiation because of my age. I'll post more once I hear back from him, but I'm really hoping that I don't need further treatment.

I'm very grateful to have my friends in this community to help me get by!

Thanks,
Gina

Great news, Gina on how well the surgery went - and that you had clear margins! Hoping for more good news on the pathology report. I'm sure it must be a relief to be home. Keep posting so we know how you are doing.

Hi Gina!

Clear margins! That is great news! Waiting for the pathology can be a bummer, but I was just glad that "IT" was out of me and hardly gave it a thought until I got the results 2 weeks post-op. My Dr told my parents right after surgery that he thought 2 nodes were suspicious, so when pathology came back with no node involvement it was unexpected good news! I really didn't worry about it too much though; I was busy recovering anyway. :-)

Yes, being unable to be understood is frustrating but it will get better. I hope you are healing well!

:-)
Teresa

You'll heal it will take a few weeks. Be careful if they find nodes involved- keep a close eye on your neck if they decide against rads. Hugs and hope the pathology is good.

Well, I have good news and bad news. My doctor was out sick today, but one of his associates did remove the drainage tube...it's sure a relief having that out! So, the bad news is that my doc has the pathology results but I have to wait for him to call when he feels better. So, more of the waiting game....I really hate this part. :-(

seriously? I would call and see if you can get one of his associates to give you the info. best of luck!

Thanks, Cheryl! Well, he actually sent me an email with the results. He said that I would need radiation and chemo, most likely. I have a bunch of questions so I'm going to open a new thread on it.