| | Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 2 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Feb 2012 Posts: 2 | i think i have the same tongue cancer as you, but am new to it and less educated (also, i'm 63)
i've had the surgery,and now, 6 months later, oral pathologist says cells may be evolving into malignancy. they will biopsy deeper tomorrow and compare results.
i'm afraid they are about to hit me w/ necessity for radiology, something i just do not want to do. how nice of that dentist to speak w/ you. p'raps you might pass that kindnesson to me (if you think appropriate)
thanks for you time reading this
hope to hear from you
thanks, harriet
Last edited by ChristineB; 02-06-2012 09:44 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 493 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 493 | Harriet,
I had surgery on my tongue as well as a neck dissection, since there was lymph node involvement. I also had around 7 weeks of radiation combined with three doses of chemo. The treatments certainly were't fun, but I got through them and completed my treatments in August of 2009. Glad you found us, sorry you had to. The people here are very supportive and are all here for you. Good luck, and keep us posted.
Last edited by ChristineB; 02-06-2012 09:45 AM.
Female, nonsmoker, 70, diag. 5/09 after tongue biopsy: stage IV. Left hemi-gloss. and left selec. neck disec. 30 lymph nodes removed May 20. Over 7 weeks daily rads. with three chemo. PEG removed 12/4/09 Am eating mostly soft foods. Back to work 11/09 Retired 4/1/11. 7 clear scans! Port out 9/11. 2/13. It's back: base of tongue, very invasive
surgery involving lifestyle changes. 2/14: Now speaking w/Passey-Muir valve. Considering a swallow study. Grateful to be alive.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 | Hi Harriet - radiation is no picnic, but you'd be amazed a how strong you are. If the dr recommends it, do it. Overall from beginning to the light at the end of he tunnel it's about 8 -9 weeks. At that point things will begin to slowly heal. The actual radiation usually runs 6-7 weeks, then works for two more weeks - maybe a little more depending on your personal health, ability to heal, nutrition etc.. And then it's one month for every week of radiation to reach your new normal - mind you that's a ball park figure - I still improve daily and my surgery was a year ago yesterday - and radiation 9 mos ago. It sounds like your issues are in the very early stages - hopefully things will be okay and not as difficult. Good luck.
Last edited by ChristineB; 02-06-2012 09:45 AM.
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 | Harriet, welcome to OCF. Please be proactive and advocate for yourself. Get to a cancer center and hear what they have to say. You are young and can do radiation. It is a tool that isnt easy but it can save your life. Good luck with everything you are facing.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | |
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