Hey everyone. I'm Jordan. Healthy, in shape, athletic 29 year old male from Birmingham, AL. No history of smoking, tobacco, dip, with only moderate alcohol consumption. Was diagnosed 1/20/15 with SCC of the oral tongue, left side. Had a partial glossectomy, lymph node dissection, and tongue flap reconstruction from forearm at MD Anderson on 2/23/15. I'm actually still here, got my feeding tube out today, and have a followup with the plastic surgeon and head and neck doctor tomorrow. Hopefully they will dismiss me for now with a followup in 2 months I believe. My speech is understandable, but still what they call "soggy", have some swelling and tightness in my neck and under my chin from the lymph node dissection, and my forearm still looks pretty gnarly from the skin graft. All in all, these doctors out here did a fantastic job. Still hard to believe (as well as the doctors) that with my age and background I had and oral tongue SCC. From what it sounds like though, it was caught early and I don't think I'm going to need radiation from what I'm hearing. Anyways, just thought I would introduce myself To everyone here!

Welcome to OCF, Jordan! Im very sorry you went thru this at such a young age. We have several members who are in their 20s and are OC survivors/patients. We also have quite a few who have been diagnosed with OC and have no risk factors, they are part of the "unknown cause" group. My guess from what Ive seen here on the forum, is that a good 10% of all OC patients are in that category.

In time your speech will improve. If you are able, get a speech pathologist involved. They can really work wonders with the clarity of your speech.

Best wishes with your continued recovery.



PS... Great signature Watch next to the My Stuff tab for a tiny flashing envelope. Im going to send you the same info I send all new members. Just skip over the signature part.

Hi Jordan. I was 31 at diagnosis with no smoking or tobacco and light drinking. Our stories are similar except I did have node involvement. Sounds like you are at the right place and doing well. Your speech should get better. I am almost 4 years out and have no speech or eating problems (except intolerance to really spicy foods bc of the radiation I had). Good luck to you! This board is a great source of information.

Welcome, Jordan. It sounds like you made it through so far with great success! Get back to all that "athletic" stuff as soon as you can. Be sure and have someone show you all the neck stretches you should be doing every day from now on. It will give you great comfort.

Best wishes for smooth sailing.

Cheri, Jordan, at your ages, you might want to find out if there is a Family Practitioner that is part of the ACE (After Cancer Experience) program. They are specialists in monitoring younger people after cancer. It is a great program and as an older fart, the information I was given proved invaluable.

Good stuff. Thabks for the replies! Does anyone know when/if all this swelling and tightness will go away under my chin and on the left side of my neck? I'm worried this is lymphadema and would rather not live the rest of my life having a lymphadema caused double chin and a super stiff neck. I'm hoping it's just some swelling caused by surgery or whatnot.

Welcome to OCF! You are doing very well for such a short time since treatment. As you are young and fit, you will surely bounce back faster than many. It will still take time. Think in terms of 6-12 months before things stabilize a bit.

It will take some time for the nerves, muscles and tissues to settle into their new state. Most pains, aches, swelling, and tightness will subside over time but don't be surprised if you have some long term linger side effects.

I'd think it would be minor but with some diligent stretching and exercises you can probably manage quite well.

Good luck, Don

Hi Jordan - welcome - my cancer was similar but I had one node involved - so I did rads and chemo. Be patient with your recover... And best of luck!

[quote=cxslayer]Good stuff. Thabks for the replies! Does anyone know when/if all this swelling and tightness will go away under my chin and on the left side of my neck? I'm worried this is lymphadema and would rather not live the rest of my life having a lymphadema caused double chin and a super stiff neck. I'm hoping it's just some swelling caused by surgery or whatnot. [/quote]

The double chin or turkey gullet as some call it is usually lifelong. Super stiff neck will be that way for a while if not forever. The stretching will make it feel much better.

When you are cancer free for a bit (hopefully your nodes will come back clear and you won't have to have rads and chemo) and you're healed - maybe look into physio for your neck, and eventually lymphatic massage.

I also had a bit of acupuncture (too early for you to even consider this - BTW) it helped get the fluids and blood moving in the area. I am still numb (somewhat) and a bit tight 4 years later. I doubt the numbness will ever completely go away but it does improve and the tightness will minimize over time.

hugs...

I also still have the numbness and tightness in the neck but it is manageable.

Hi Jordan,
Don't worry about the swelling it will go away, just takes a few months and you will be as good as new! Ice is key, kid! You may not have much feeling in the area but try to ice at least 10 minutes every 2 hours. I say that as I'm doing the same thing. Also, scar tissue isn't your friend. Find a good physical therapist to help with exercises for neck and asap manipulate the scar on neck, it will also help get rid of some swelling. FYI-a jaw bra helps swelling heal faster too. Not extremely fun to wear but better than having 5 chins!
Blessings to you