I haven't been able to find much info about tongue cancer online. Well, I should say I haven't been able to find much info about support groups for tongue cancer. My mom was diagnosed with it a month ago and had surgery on Sept 21. Our family was so excited she came home yesterday and I do think that is wonderful but I'm worried about the long road she has ahead of her. Can anyone offer any advice? She currently has a feeding tube and tracheotomy. She will be going through radiation in 3-4 weeks and they have told us she will keep both in until after radiation. I'm worried about her state of mind as she was depressed before going into surgery. What are good ways to take up her time? I would be grateful for any advice.

Dear Peta,You have now found the best support system for your Mom [and your family.] Can you please tell us more about your Mom's treatment? You will get lots of advice pertaining to the issues she will be dealing with if you let us know more about her situation. The feeding tube will be a great thing for keeping her well hydrated and well nourished[she may need some nutritional guidance] Her caregivers will get much needed support here as well, but we need to know what is going on. Good for you for searching for informed support and answers! Keep posting- this group can help your family get through this. Amy

Hello Peta, I too had tongue cancer, Stage IV and two lymph nodes involved, had surgery and radiation in 2002, pm me if you would like or email....I can give you more specific information. God Bless, Carol

Hi, I just found this site a week ago and thank goodness I did.My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer in June. I only wish I had found this site at the beginning. We felt so overwhelmed and didn't know anyone to talk to who would understand what he was going through. It's going to be a tough road but take it one day at a time. My husband had a few bouts of depression along the way but seems ok now. But don't hesitate to talk to your dr about your moms depression. The feeding tube is a life line to get her much needed nutrients. As my husband could not eat or talk everything had to go into the GTube. He is slowly trying things by mouth but is having alot of mouth ulcer which is a problem right now. Like I said take one day at a time I know it's hard I'm scared everyday for him and my family. Take care

Things might get worse before they get better, but they WILL get better. It's all worth it in the end! It takes a long time to get back to "normal" but it is SO SWEET when you do! Makes every day special. Pray for strength to get through today and do the same thing tomorrow. It works! Been there w/ my husband in 2004 and he is alive and doing well!

Hi,

My advice is the same as the other post. My Mom had a lot of depression with her treatment. She was put on Zoloft to help her because she would just stay in bed and cry a lot.

It did help but there were good days and bad days. Be sure to tell her doctors. The road is long ahead of you but with support and time you will get threw it.

We spent a lot of time with my Mom talking and watching movies. We also did games and on her good days she worked on the computer a lot and that really helped her keep in touch with family and friends. Towards the end, it was very difficult to understand her.

Good Luck! I hope the best for you and your family!

Hi Peta,

Welcome !! I too had tongue cancer that started in 2004. Had surgery and took 1/4 of my tongue. A year later had more surgery removed lymph gland, Jugular vain and had Chemo and Radiation.

I know you are all in shock but things will get better. I know it is a lot to take in at first. Try and just take one thing at a time. I am now 9 months from treatment. I think I am doing OK. Every month I improve a little.

There is a lot of information here and support if you need it. Don't be afraid to ask. This site is very helpful just use the search and find what you want. Does your mom have computer? I think she would love it here.

Glad she has feeding tube. She will need that as she goes through Radiation.

Take care,
Diane

Diane,

Thank you for the information. I just found out today my Mom will be having surgery on Thursday. She went in for her weekly appointment and there is a section of her neck on the left side that is not healing and they're going to do a skin graft from her back. She's very upset and frustrated as is the rest of the family.

It is nice to hear that you are doing well and that gives me hope. Like the light at the end of the tunnel.

Hi Peta,

my boyfriend has tongue cancer, and had his lymph nodes removed, and there were two extra tumors hiding under his chin. I am new to this as well, but this site is helping me to get a better understanding of what to do.

If you stay strong and be supportive for your mother, I think that is the best way of helping her at this time. Some things just take time before it gets better, just keep in good spirits and don't give up.