New member; husband with cancer of the tongue - 10-21-2007 09:44 PM
Hi.
My husband, Pete (aged 63) was diagnosed with Stage I cancer of the tongue in April 2007. He had surgery on May 1, and because there were abnormal cells deeper into the margins than originally thought he received six grueling weeks of radiation. He received good follow-up appts with both the radiation oncologist and the ENT who performed the original surgery. His pain level also seemed to be diminishing, he lowered his pain medication doses substantially, and his eating/swallowing seemed to be improving each week. Following his follow-up with the ENT he seemed to have an increase in his pain level of the surgical site while eating and swallowing often radiating into his ear. After approx. 2 weeks of little relief, we rescheduled an appt. with the ENT who again could see nothing abnormal and felt the pain was related to scar tissue. Last week I scheduled an appt. with our family physician (also a family friend) for Tues. 10/23 as I am very concerned about this situation. In the meantime, my husband has noticed another hard lump on his tongue right near the surgical site, which he originally said was unlike his original lump as it was not painful to the touch. However, as of this morning he said the lump is painful when he presses on it. I receive allergy shots on Mondays at the ENT office and hope to have him recheck my husband tomorrow morning, but in the meantime I am flipping out!!! I really could use someone to talk to. . . thanks for listening!
My husband, Pete (aged 63) was diagnosed with Stage I cancer of the tongue in April 2007. He had surgery on May 1, and because there were abnormal cells deeper into the margins than originally thought he received six grueling weeks of radiation. He received good follow-up appts with both the radiation oncologist and the ENT who performed the original surgery. His pain level also seemed to be diminishing, he lowered his pain medication doses substantially, and his eating/swallowing seemed to be improving each week. Following his follow-up with the ENT he seemed to have an increase in his pain level of the surgical site while eating and swallowing often radiating into his ear. After approx. 2 weeks of little relief, we rescheduled an appt. with the ENT who again could see nothing abnormal and felt the pain was related to scar tissue. Last week I scheduled an appt. with our family physician (also a family friend) for Tues. 10/23 as I am very concerned about this situation. In the meantime, my husband has noticed another hard lump on his tongue right near the surgical site, which he originally said was unlike his original lump as it was not painful to the touch. However, as of this morning he said the lump is painful when he presses on it. I receive allergy shots on Mondays at the ENT office and hope to have him recheck my husband tomorrow morning, but in the meantime I am flipping out!!! I really could use someone to talk to. . . thanks for listening!