Hi. I'm 6 months out from a hemiglossectomy for stage 2 scc; in addition part of the floor of my mouth was removed; I was reconstructed and am doing VERY well. I'm very lucky and grateful that I didn't need chemo or radiation (the surgery was bad enough)--I don't even need speech therapy.
I have a question about something I've been experiencing with my "store bought" tongue: if I've talked too much, too fast, or too loud, I get what can only be described as tongue cramps that go down into my throat and make me feel like I'm just about to vomit(if I relax and breathe through my nose it usually feels better shortly.) I'd like to know if any other hemiglossectomites have this same rather embarrassing thing happen, and if so will it ever go away?
I'd really appreciate any input on this.

Thanks, Julia

Julia,

Hi and welcome to the group. Sorry you had to join us. I too, had a partial glossectomy, and did not need chemo or radiation. However, I did not need a reconstruction.

I would recommend that you email eva grayzel, a member, who had surgery similar to yours. Her email is [email protected]. She will be happy to answer your questions.

Jerry

Hi Julia
I suppose we have to expect some difficulties, I expect we will get used to the new normal, I'm a year out from surgery this week and things have improved over the whole of the year, so there is still time for some improvement for you.
Sunshine.. love and hugs
Helen

Sometimes I just plain get dry mouth & my tongue gets very tired when I talk long & fast. Speech starts to slur. It's the worst when I have been drinkin'! HaHa! Have never experienced the gag reflex like you describe.

Thanks for your input, everybody! I guess that while the good news is that I'm not the only one going through this journey, the bad news is that I'm not the only person who's gone through this journey.

Maybe the problem I'm currently having is the result of having a REALLY strong gag reflex. It made some of my pre-surgical procedures very difficult for both me and my surgeon. I could barely tolerate the novacaine-impregnated cardboard things they put on and under my tongue, so the radioactive injections to see whether and where my tumor might be draining were trying for both of us. That two of the needles he had were defective (they had no holes at the tip, but luckily that was discovered before they were poked in to my tongue).

Great comment, Erik! All I can say to that is "badum-CHING!" (bad imitation of a cymbal and snare drum).

Julia