Hello everyone. I am new and looking for answers and hope for this horrible disease. My father was diagnosed with tongue cancer a couple of months age and started treatment August 10th. He is going through radiation (2x a day) and chemo (once a week). We've made it this far and hopefully only 4 weeks left. He's started his feeding tube because he's lost his appetite and not to mention his throat is really hurting. Believe it or not, he's actually in good spirits and doing really well. I admire him so much. Any advice (and hope) on how to get through this difficult time would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Tracy,

Hang in there you will have plenty of answers soon. Great to hear that your father's spirits are good.

I, too, had tongue cancer, but was fortunate to have gotten it taken care of quickly enough to avoid chemo and radiation.

There are so many great people on this forum that seem to spend their entire day helping others. Good luck to you and your dad. He's lucky to have such a caring daughter.

Keep checking back.

Jerry

Hi Tracy, I am sorry to hear about your Dad's tongue cancer. I too had it, along with two positive lymph nodes. I was wondering if he had surgery? God bless him for his good attitude, it helps and I am sure you are a blessing to him, too. I did not have chemo, but had radiation after surgery for 7 weeks. If I can answer anything specifically, please email me. Take Care, Carol

Tracy,

Welcome to this site -- I'm sorry to hear your father is going through this, but I think you'll find plenty of help and information here.

Do you know what stage his cancer was? Is he being treated at a major cancer center? Right now it's very important for him to be able to continue getting good nutrition to prevent significant weight loss as his treatment goes on. Many of us found that the first 2-3 weeks of radiation were relatively tolerable, but beyond that point it often gets much more difficult. It's essential to be on the lookout for signs of infection, mouth sores, blistering on the skin, or any other effects that may need quick medical attention.

A general rule of thumb that you will see here is that it can frequently take a month of recovery time for each week of radiation treatment, so be prepared for the fact that when his radiation is over, there will probably still be a period of several months before he can see noticeable improvement in eating, tasting, and overcoming mouth pain.

Feel free to post your questions and concerns here as his treatment progresses and let us know how he's doing.

Cathy

Hi,

Good luck. Sounds like he is in good spirits.
Thats half the battle. A long road physically, a short road spiritually.


Anything we can do to help, let us know neihbor.

Take it easy.
Robert

Thanks for all of the replys. My dad has 3rd stage and has not had surgery. Before treatments started, surgery was an option until we found out how much of his tongue would have to be removed (1/3). The doctors opted for this hoping that if surgery is necessary the tumor would shrink. He is not being treated at a major cancer center but he is going to a good hospital. He is also getting some kind of shot before radiation treatment to prevent dry mouth and mouth sores. This also seems to be working well. Has anyone had this shot?

Well after today he only has three more weeks and then recovery. His 56th birthday is also next week.

Also, if I can ask - Is your cancer from smoking?

Again, thanks for all of the responses. I look forward to talking to you all again.

Tracy

Tracy,

I have no risk factors as I am 60 yrs old and haven't smoked since I was 18. I consumed alcohol at social events only.

Is the shot that your dad is getting, called "Palifermin"? I read about this in a dental publication I get and it says it is given IV. I'm interested in following up on this drug.

Jerry

Hello Tracy,

Welcome to the Oral Cancer Foundation. Your now part of one huge international cybrr family that have one thing in common. (Oral Cancer).

It seems to me that a stage 3 patiant would receive a more aggressive treatment overall.
Many here have had a thrid of the tongue removed and are doing fine. You want to throw everything at this the first time. It is a most unforgiving
diaease.
I know it's more diffucult to operate on radiated tissue than normal tissue. It's nice to hear he in good spirits, that will help as as he starts his journey to recovery.
Please keep us posted on his progress and hopefully we can answer any questions you will have.

All My Best, Danny Boy