I was diagnosed with stage1 SCC in Jan 2013. Had partial tongue glossectomy rebuilt with flap from wrist. Lymph nodes removed from right side of neck..followed by chemo/radiation. Cancer spread to left side of neck in October. Another surgery to remove lymph nodes from left side including a pec flap rotation to the neck, then brachytherapy. Most difficult I experience is eating with so little saliva. Neck feels like I have a brace on it. I have so many exercises & techniques to reduce lymphedema & get my left arm back in shape. Tired and feel like I'm fighting a losing battle although this last time they said cancer was confined to one lymph node. Would welcome any tips regarding eating & dealing with tongue soreness & sensitivity especially in the flap.

I'm sorry to have to welcome you (or anyone else) here, ammonsmg1, but you have come to the right place and are very welcome!

I can't be of any help with your questions, but I wanted you to know that you're not alone and someone who is in a position to help will be along shortly to provide that help.

Good Luck in your journey down this path!

Bart

Hi,
I feel sorry to hear you are going through these trouble. One thing I like to mention here is, think positive and stay happy. Psychological factor with set of positive mindset and rock steady approach, that's what all are looking to get encouraged. I read many a posts and concluded that what you are experiencing is a part of common recovery cycle.
I'll be greatly appreciate if you can add a little signature to your profile. This allows readers to know little more about you. You can see signature examples here on thousands of post. Just make one that fits your profile (Age, Stage, Site of cancer,,etc). Whatever you feel comfortable.
Tips for eating & tongue soreness, I would say expert opinions (doctor for soreness and swallow therapist) will be better choices. Also look for dedicated forum here, there are thousands of post here, all you need is to narrow down search using search bar here. Please feel free to get back to this astonishing place for more info and answers. There are more experienced leaders here, to name a few, ChristineB, Davidcpa, Paul etc. I am sure they will get back to you with a truly better answer than I've offered you here today.

Good Luck n take care....

Welcome to OCF. Sorry to meet you here but there is lots of information to help you. Quite a few have dealt with recurrence - I'm sure they will offer more specifics. Don

Hi Ammon:
I welcome you also to your new family, one that is large, with several who share pretty much your exact diagnosis. It may take a little while for them to find your post, but be patient, they will read and make comments you will find useful.

While waiting on them to provide the technical information you seek, the rest of us will give you general guidance that will help make the rest of the journey a little more tolerable.

I have not had a recurrence, but I know of many who have. Bart, who responded above has had more than one, yet he maintains a wonderfully positive attitude and shares that with everyone on the forum. He helped me immensely to develop the right frame of mind regarding cancer and treatment early on after I joined the family. Get to know him by reading what he writes. Developing that right mind frame is maybe one of the most important things you can do to help yourself through this and any future battles.

Sadly, not everyone learns how to do that, and their psychology pays a very heavy price because of it. I know of at least one who couldn't get past worrying about everything, nor how to shake it off and move forward in a positive manner. That person, a dear friend has pretty well left the forum when they need the support the most.

So, as was said above keep yourself busy with postive things that you like to do. Don't give the worry bug a chance to enter the picture. Keep writing what you are going through and asking questions. We will help get you through this.

Tony

Am, welcome to OCF. Here is a List of Easy to Eat Foods which should help you to relearn to eat. Contact a speech pathologist. They can work wonders with not only your speech but with eating as well.

Best wishes!

HI- this cancer can be nasty - I had the same type of surgery etc (same location too) and same treatment.
My difference was that I had a small 3mm node highlight on the opposite side on my pre radiation CT - after asking about it and pushing them they decided to radiate my entire neck area (all nodes) to be on the safe side even though they were not concerned about my glowing node. (I was - mind you it was my neck not theirs)

drs are often reactive not proactive.

Anyway - with regards to the tightness etc... that should change on the non radiated side eventually - stretching should help (since non radiated muscles have been cut there will be scar tissue but less fibrosis (which happens added rads) long term physio should get you back in the 90% normal range) but I also found lymphatic massage (only after you've had a clean scan) helped with swelling, and acupuncture to help return blood flow to the area will soften it up.

try to keep your spirits up... you can get through this. hugs