i have stage 2 squamous cell cancer in lower part of tongue and lower back part of bottom of mouth. operation on 22 aug 12 at md anderson then 4 weeks healing and 6 weeks radiation. what am i in for. will taki out lymph nodes if necessary.

Is it base of tongue or oral tongue? It sounds to me like oral tongue based on the surgery... Rads and chemo is not fun but doable. Radiation doesn't hurt when it's being done but the effects are cumulative at some point -usually week 3-4 you will start to lose taste, experience mouth sores and begin have swallowing issues. (the severity is based on where they're aim the radiation). Some people are given a feeding tube, as all of this interferes with eating and nutrition - eat up now as you may lose appetite and the desire to eat for a bit. I would like to say quality of nutrition is as important as quantity. Pick up a good cream for your neck... Depending on your skin type - the more pale the worse it can be - you may blister, and burn, and peel. They will recommend creams. Pain meds should be asked for before things become really bad. Usually this is the 5-8 week mark - radiation ends at week 6 but it keeps working for a Few weeks after. Then slowly you should begin to feel better. You should have a hearing test and dentist appointment, they may pull any teeth they think you will have forever, and you should be fitted for flouride trays which you should use for the rest of your life or as long as you have teeth. This is because radiation cooks your salivary glands and you may never get a normal amount of saliva again. Saliva cleans your teeth and protects them, no saliva - very cavity prone and if you have to have a tooth pulled later it cn be a bad situation. (30-40) HBO dives to promote healing, and prevent possible osteo radiation necrosis of your jaw (caused by having a tooth pulled and radiation fall out) - not something you want to deal with.

Th mask may shock you and bother you if you are claustrophobic you may need meds to get through it. It is tight enough to keep you from moving, mesh (plastic) and it will lock your head and shoulders to the table.

Chemo is hit or miss - I had minimal nausea that's it, but I know people who threw up steadily for the whole time. Usually people fall somewhere in the middle. Try to keep swallowing if you can it will help you later, as you don't want to be on a tube for the rest if your life. Magic mouthwash will help if you do try to eat or drink your nutrition. It numbs you temporarily -
You will drool... Copious amounts - this will subside and then you'll be dry as the Sahara

I know this is all overwhelming but most of us here hav been through it and have come out the other side... Battered but okay. You'll get here too.

I'm sure I've missed things - others will be along to welcome you and add to it. Also they'll recommend a salt water, sodium bicarbonate, water mixture to rinse with. It helps heal your mouth. You can also flatten club soda and drink it lukewarm for the same effect. carry a bottle at all times...

Take care... sorry you hav to be here but there's lots of support.

Welcome my new friend to OCF, glad you found us, sorry you had to!

You're having your surgery done at one of the best facilities in the country for head and neck so you are in good hands. Stage 2 is relatively early so your odds are good but the radiation sucks ass. Stick around and we'll help you through, it's what we do best

Eric

Welcome to OCF. Glad you have found this site to help guide you thru everything coming up. OCF is the best place for up to date, correct medical info and support from many great members.

Try to eat as much as possible, all your favorite foods now. Dont worry about weight gain. Get a full blood work done with thyroid included. You should have seen a dentist and gotten fluoride trays made and taken care of any questionable teeth.

Getting ready to go into this you will have lots of appointments and running around. Make sure you get cards from every single doc you visit. Anyone who offers to help you, write down their name and number and let them know you will ask them when the time comes. You will need lots of help to get thru everything. Dont turn anyone away, if they offered then they want to help you. Too many times people dont know what to do to help so you will need to tell them what you need. Even having someone walk the dog or take out the trash can be a big help when you are not feeling well. Line up as many helpers as possible.

Best wishes with everything!!!

I had my treatment for oral tongue cancer at MDA. I had partial glossectomy, rads, chemo, finished everything Feb, 2011. They provide a lot of resources for you, but lots of folks don't take full advantage. They are probably either not feeling well (understand that)including fatigue, or mentally depressed (understand that as well). But if people would take advantage of some of the things offered at the medical center they would likely feel better. I had an apartment & stayed there with a couple of my sister-in-laws helping me out for several weeks. My husband flew in on weekends. It worked well. I took daily walks, either outside or inside the medical center as they have nice places to walk inside.

Best,
Anne

Sorry that you are going thru this but I am soooo glad you found this site. This will be a godsend for you and your caregiver. We will be there for you 24/7 from now on.

Sounds like you are in a good place for your surgery and treatment. And glad you found the OCF forum. There's a wealth of information available here and on the main page of OCF. Check out whatever you like so you can get any questions ready for your doctors or for anyone here. Do keep us updated so we know how you are doing.

thanks, this support really helps and prepares me for what is to quickly be here.

thanks, it means a lot to to be advised by those who have been where i am going.

thanks, i will do as you advise

thanks for the advice! i will do as you say!

thanks and i am getting with my caregiver today and getting her on this site!

We will be glad to be here for your caregiver, too!

I know that as the caregiver this site was my life saver. I was able to get questions answered at all hours of the day and could be as open as I wanted. I cried, yelled and vented like crazy!! Please have her get in touch with us!
Kathy

Hi! I wish I would have found this forum before all my cancer started, because there is a wealth of information from people who have been through it. I was fortunate that my husband took care of me in the first six months. I had a trech, a port for chemo, and a feeding tube before I even started my first appointment for Chemo. I had a hard time asking for help, but it came time to ask due to we are self employeed. One of us had to keep the business running, but I have wonderful friends who helped me until I could drive my self to appt's. So keep us posted and good luck with your surgery.

if you cannot swallow, what do you do?

Hopefully you have a peg in place for nutrition and fluids... And magic mouthwash to support you in trying to swallow - it gets rid of the pain temporarily. That's depend on whether the reason you can't swallow is pain or physical - take care