Diagonised by byopsy 3/27/'06, squamous cell carcenoma. surgery done 3/30/'06. 8 or 9 teeth, some bone in front, the tumor at side of tongue and some of my tongue, when into the trash. smoked for 38 years, changed to roll ur own, just to save some money, took less than a year for cancer to show up. still in shock, and guess very scared, so ashamed because I have put my wife and me both in this position. she has always deserved better. not ever been one to worry, but this tongue thing, thick and hard to use is really a bugger to deal with. I know my surgery is less than 1 week old, but anyone have any suggestions or words of encouragement till I see my surgeon in another 5 days. Any replys will be appreciated. THANKS, papa.

Thomas, My tongue was the same way a week out from surgery. It really does get better, though. Hang in there! You didn't say if you had a neck dissection too--did you?

Nelie

Hi Thomas,

I didn't have the same thing as you, and I know you are suffering now, but it will get better.

My wife didn't desrve my cancer either, none of our spouses or us deserve cancer. It just picks on a few of us. We are lucky enough to be living in a day and age where something can be done.

Hang in there, it will heal.

Steve Daib

I just had part of my tongue removed in January - and it took a full 4 weeks before the swelling in the actual tongue went down - but it did eventually go down. Good luck.

Papa
Dont waste energy feeling guilty ...you need it all for your recovery.
All your wife needs is to know is, you are fighting this with everything you have.

She loves you and wants you safe not sorry!

Take Care
Marica

Hi, Papa- a fellow Arkansan here- you have a ways to go before your tongue feels better so concentrate on getting the best nourishment you can because that will help you heal. Are you going to have radiation? Tell us more about you. Amy

Hi Papa. I know what you mean about the tongue...mine was so big for a while. I couldn't bite down at all for several weeks. It was almost a month before I could close my mouth without biting the danged thing.

I would also like to hear more about your experience. What stage is it, did you have the portion of your tongue replaced with other tissue, did you have a neck dissection? You will find folks here who can help with all kinds of information, especially if you have to have radiation.

Take care and get better for you AND your wife!

Jennifer

OMG, I feel so inaquate. By ya'll's replies, I realize my own ignorance at not even bein' able to tell u what stage, location, etc., I am . Seems like I have a lot of catching up to do. Am 54, ex-smoker now goin on second week. Gotta start somewhere, surgeon states we have GOOD MARGINS on all sites, tongue , gums, and bone. And I feel so humbled by all the replies from each and everyone here, my best to all. I hope time will allow a more personal reply to each of u. THANKS FOR THE SHOW OF SUPPORT!!

Papa,

Welcome to the neighborhood and don't fret about what has brought you to this point in life. Sit back, relax, heal and fire away if you have any questions. As you see, many have been exactly where you are today and many will be by your side to help you the rest of your journey.

Nobody really deserves what you or your spouse are going through right now and nothing can change what has happened. Keep your focus on the road ahead.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

What part of Arkansas are you from?

Ed

Papa,
I just wanted to tell you to encourage your wife to get to this site as well, there are a ton of us caregivers on here, and we are all willing to help support her through this. This is certainly not just happening to you, and she is going to need some real support when you arent able to give it to her. We are a good bunch of people here and want to be here for the two of you!!
Jennie

Hi Papa,

Welcome. I know what you mean by feeling guilty. I felt that way too. I shoulda, coulda, woulda, sindrom. To late for that now.

Just think you are smoke free NOW! Rejoice in that and think about getting better. As you can see there are plenty here to help.

I am some what new my self. I am 3 months out of radiation & chemo. treatment and still healing. I am learning how to eat again.

One thing I want you to know is be good to your self. This all takes time.

bye for now
DM