Looking back I see that Christmas was my last post
I've missed u all, hope everyone is doing ok, you've always been a big help & greatly appreciated.

Mom went through her intensive radiation & chemo treatments with no avail. The cancer is still there and the only other option is surgery.

Looks like 1/2 of the left side of her tongue will be taken out along with her lymph nodes.
The cancer cells were still found after a post treatment biopsy this was not expected by us nor her doctor, looks like the treatments didn't do the job.

They will try to reconstruct the tongue with skin from her thigh or arm, I wish I knew what we were in for it sounds pretty bad.

Just 2 wks ago they removed her PEG tube we thought all this was over.

Mom is a talker, we are wondering how her speech & swallowing will be affected by this, she is 73 years old & weighs about 125 lbs, has not had any other health problems besides this, never a smoker or drinker, has taken good care of herself, we've learned cancer is not a picky predator does not discriminate against anyone.

I guess I'm just reaching out for comfort AGAIN, I hope someone can tell me AGAIN that everything will be fine and they survived this surgery themselves or know someone who did thanks to all! Tina

Hi Tina,

Sorry to read that your mom will need surgery. If you check in the Medications, Treatments and Procedures message board, you will find Jennifer (gillijl) who just had a tongue resection and graft. She is doing very well and I'm sure if you read her posts there, you can get a feel for what she has been through.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom.

Jerry

It's not easy, but doable if needed! Everyone says I speak very clearly. Some people that don't know me think maybe I just came from the dentist or something. I can't lick my lips, but we have lots of napkins for that! You just adjust! I had surgery first, followed by rad & chemo. Treatment ended 1 year ago. I'm 43 & very healthy & plan to live a very long life. I eat just about anything I want now. Like I said before you just adapt! The rad & chemo we're definately worse than the surgery. Keep in touch, Erik

Hi Tina,

Sorry to hear about your mom. Just doesn't seem fair ... I am 18 months post rad/chemo but first had surgery to remove my whole tongue. I am able to talk pretty darn good (use a palatal drop prosthesis) and haven't come across anybody who can't understand me. I work full-time for a major corporation and my speaking ability hasn't prevented me from doing my job. I don't enjoy talking on the phone like I use to but that's just another one of those adjustments I've had to make of my new life. I'm also able to eat just about anything (steak, chicken, seafood, veggies, pasta) except for breads, cookies, chips, cake (all the good stuff!). Even the "forbidden" foods mentioned are doable with a LOT of effort but I find it's not worth it. It goes without saying that it'll be a big adjustment for your mom but she sounds like one tough cookie and a real trooper. Keep us posted.

Hugs, Nancy

Tina Elise,

I am sorry to hear the latest news about your mom. I haven't had to endure the surgery but I sure have come to know (and love) many that have. I am hoping for the best possible outcome for your mother.

Ed