| | Joined: May 2009 Posts: 4 Member | OP  Member
Joined: May 2009 Posts: 4 | I had a partial glossectomy with skin graft on 8/15. The pain in my tongue and the donor site (thigh) has improved, but I have a continuous severe sore throat still. Is this normal? My doctor says that it's from the breathing tube but it seems strange based on my previous 3 operations, for that to be an issue after 10 days.
I'm concerned about continuing to take Oxycodone, which is the only thing that will touch my throat pain. But when I try to just take Advil I am absolutely miserable and can't move around as much as I need to.
Thanks for any advice.
female, 48 yo 3x survivor
5/2009 SCC left lateral tongue
partial glossectomy, left neck dissection, all nodes clear
12/2011 - recurrence, SCC left posterior lateral tongue
resection 12/2011
laser surgery 7/19/13 for leukoplakia, led to 3rd diagnosis
7/26/13 SCC left posterior lateral tongue
partial glossectomy 8/15/13 - margins clear
6 wks radiation 10/2013-11/2013
So far so good! Some remaining side effects (trismus, dry mouth, minimal tongue movement) but loving life!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Unfortunately yes this can be completely normal to still be in pain. You have been thru a major surgery and it takes time to recover, especially after everything you have been thru. If you dont feel better when you are about at the 3 week post surgery point then check in with the doc. Dont worry too much about the pain meds you are taking, it does not help the patient at all to be in pain. Take what works when you need to and in another week - 10 days try to slowly switch over to Advil if you still need some pain meds. At that time, extend the time between doses an hour or 2 longer, then begin to substitute Advil and see if that works.
Best wishes with your recovery.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 | Hey there... also chances are you have some lovely stitches in your throat. I was cut all the way to my ear canal inside. I didn't realize this until they put me into the nuker (radiation) and I could feel the scaring stiffening. I later asked my dr if I had stitches inside there and he said YUP! so that area may still be sensitive. Particularly if you are eating etc... hugs.
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
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