had surgery monday. a total glossectomy,bilateral neck disection. only 1 bad node. the tumor was so big that radiation and chemo would not have treated it.
at this point my face and neck are very much swelled. i may be stuck with the "tempoary trach" forever. im not real happy about that.
on the plus side the drain tubes came out of my neck and leg. i can move around a little better now. maybe if i do more moving around it will help. really gotta get the swelling to go down over the weekend and then maybe the doctor will take out the trach.

Rebel,

I remember those days in the hospital. I had half my face removed due to the size of my tumor(s) and that was after they used radiation and chemo to shrink them. It sucked. I remember how good I felt just to be able to get out of the hospital. I have a video of how I looked shortly afterwards and the size of my face was amazing. I think total it took 9 or 10 months for the swelling to totally go down and my jaw had been wired shut for 4 months.

It does get better, it can be a long road my friend but remember you have these forums to vent to whenever you need. People here to relate to where you are as they've traveled a similar path.

Keep your chin and spirits up my friend, you'll get through this.


Eric

my loving thoughts and prayers are with you both.....praying to Aussie St Mary......xxxxx

Rebel, thinking of you and sending healing vibes. You're a champion!

d2

thanks guys. i look like ive been in combat but i dont feel like a hero. 1 more bag of antibiotic for the swelling and then im done with the ivs. im sure the swelling wont be gone that soon. though i hear i look better then i did a couple days ago.
i managed to get some of the blood out of hair. cant wait to jump into the shower.

You are me two months ago my friend. I have been there. Though mine is a hemiglossectomy. You will heal in time and I too hated the trache. Normally they will switch you to a fenestrated trache - hopefully they have, and then after they will remove it completely (I rejoiced let me tell you). I had one node involved as well, and can I suggest that if they offer you chemo and rads take it. Just in case.

Best of luck... it's a long road, but you've travelled a fair bit already. Hugs and healing to you.

Continued prayers for you Reb. Hope you continue to heal more and more everyday.

Dave

hey guys.they let me out 20/4. minus the trach. woohoo.except for the hole in my throat and the swelling, inability to speak or eat im feeling much better. dont think i could stand another night in the hospital. i havent made the appoint with the ent yet about getting the staples out but i do have one with the MO. monday.im not sure radiation is even an option because that was part of the treatment for the testicular cancer i had back in 91.

I believe if it's a different part of he body they can radiate it. Good luck!

Yes- they can radiate another area of your body. It will probably be reccomended to get any stray submicroscopic cancer cells. Yay! Glad you got out of there! I felt the same way about the hospital. Nothing better than sleeping in your own bed. Wishing you a very successful recovery! Kate