I am two days post tongue surgery and am expecting to begin radiation therapy in six weeks. I am a little nervous, scared about the therapy. I am used to the idea of having health problems as I have had diabetes for forty years. I lost little or no function as a result of the surgery. It has relieved some pain I was having.
At any rate I would love to hear of of how people have adjusted to the changes in life as a result of treatment.
Mahalo and Aloha from MidCoast Maine - Rick

Welcome to OCF Rick! You even made a signature, great job!!! One thing we recommend is publishing your email address only on your profile. Are you being treated at a cancer center?

Sounds like you are doing very well with your recovery. Did you get a free flap? If you are able to eat pretty well then try to bulk up and have all your favorite food before you start radiation. Your sense of taste will make change, making eating a chore. So eat the best you can and try to get in all your favorites now. Make sure to discuss being diabetic with your oncologist. Will you be getting a feeding tube? If so ask your doc or your nutritionist about a formula that is ok for someone who is diabetic. Sorry that you have had to deal with being diabetic for such a long period of time. You must be doing a good job managing it!

We all get scared of the unknown. Dont worry about your upcoming radiation treatments. Its necessary to kill all the cancer. Sure its not fun going thru them but after its over and you begin to recover you will somehow gain a new perspective and appreciation for life. Honestly, my life is so much more meaningful now than it was before I got sick. Now I focus a few hours of my time every single day to help others. Before I was like a hamster on a wheel, working and taking care of my children and house. After being confronted with my own mortality it has changed me into a more caring person. I dont procrastinate anymore, there is no time for me to waste! My children appreciate me so much more now too.

Looking forward to getting to know you better. Dont worry we are here to help you get thru this.

Yes I am doing very well. I have had a lot of surgeries (Two leg amputations, several fingers and two kidney xplants) So I am no stranger to surgery. Yes, all my Docs are aware of my diabetes. I had the surgery at a small hospital - where I work in the computer department - My Radiation Oncologist is affiliated with Maine Medical Center in Portland. I see him at a center in Bath,Me. which is where I will get the treatments. I have already discussed potential dietary problems with him. They have a dietician/nutritionist at the center who I will be seeing soon. The oncologist was speaking of an 80% chance of a successful outcome. Because I have had a few health problems over the years I think I see a whole lot of pitfalls but I know I am going to come out the other side a little stronger and a little tougher and yes, anxious to get up every day and do something good as big or small as it may be but something good.
Thank you very much for reply. It is deeply appreciated.

I love your positive attitude!!!! You certainly have had your hurdles to overcome in life. Im sorry your health is not the best. Dont worry about the statistics, its only numbers. Im one who has beat the odds and I am thankful for every single day!

Im glad to hear you will be seeing a dietitian, it will help!!! I made a list a while back of easy to eat foods for when eating becomes difficult. Unfortunately I dont know how it will apply to someone who is diabetic.

Keep that wonderful outlook, it will get your very far in life!!!

Welcome! I'm day 5 of radiation after having a tongue graft and neck dissection. So far so good - mouth a little dry tongue healing well, no rad burns yet... But I'm told that's to come. Had my first round of chemo yesterday - queasy but getting by. Am anticipating dry mouth bad tasting or no tasting food, but for now I'm okay. haven't gotten the dreaded mouth sores or sore throat yet, but I'm told that's usually week 2 or three, so for now it's okay. The treatments are nothing unless you are claustrophobic, im not but the mask is unpleasant at first regardless. I just close my eyes and relax through it. There are creams you can use to help the skin a bit your hospital will recommend them - if you take antioxidants stop them 7 days before treatment. They work against your treatment. that's about all I can think of now... If you have anything specific to ask feel free. And christine is right... Add some weight eating gets harder and they peg us here just in case, but not all hospitals do.

Take care... And best of luck.

Finally home from the hospital after 2 weeks. Leg infection and oral surgery.Mouth is still pretty sore but I am gaining. Great to be home with my wife. Plans are moving along towards radiation. Now due to start in six weeks. I have been given a good prognosis by the surgeon and the oncologist so I am very excited about that. Still preparing for the worst, just in case. I would much rather be over prepared then under. I am enjoying this opportunity to share with others some of the feelings and experiences of this. I have found over the years that until a person has actually been there they can't quite understand.

Mahalo and Aloha again from Midcoast Maine

Rick - Glad to read that you're home. You're a brave guy to have gone through everything you describe. RT is far from a walk in the park, but with a good medical team and other support and the right attitude (which you clearly have) I have no doubt you'll get through it. We're all pulling for you.

david2

Oh and I third Christine and Cheryl's advice: eat up!