Hi everyone. A family member was diagnosed with tongue cancer and has started radiation for 35 days and has had her first chemo a few days ago with two more to follow. The cancer was at the back of her tongue. I would like to talk with someone that has the same type of cancer. Thanks.

Hey there there are a few of us here... Were in Canada are you? welcome

Most likely she was Dx'ed with SCC with a Primary at what's called Base of Tongue. Most likely she will receive a chemo called Cisplatin. She may even have had nodal involvement and if this is the case she will likely test positive for the presence of HPV. All of this is typical and if this is the case her prognosis is very good although her Tx will be difficult. Do encourage her to join this site as it will be invaluable starting now.

My diagnosis as well. Very close to 2 years post treatment and getting very comfortable with my "new normal". It ain't easy but it IS doable. You've stumbled onto a great place for info, advice and encouragement.

Welcome to OCF! You will find tons of info and support here. Please encourage your relative to join as well. An informed patient is a smart patient.

It all started with a lump on her neck. I believe that cisplatin is the chemo she is getting. she already had one treatment August 12 and started the radiation at the same time. Her next chemo will be September 3. So far no major side effects. She is 60 and was a smoker but quite years ago. We are in Vancouver BC., Canada. Any helpful hints to help her along this early stage will be helpful. she needs to get cream to put on her neck....What brand did you all use?

Sorry to hear, but welcome. Aquaphor was recommended, and another time Ceptaphil also. As far as washing, I used ceptaphil liquid soap, aquaohor bath liquid, and heard unscented Dove bath liquid. I never scrubbed my neck either, and had no problems, but everyone's skin is dufferent. The last to weeks, up to two or three weeks post treatmnt are the worst. Most don't start feeling the radiation side effects into 10-14 days, then the redness starts, dry desquamification, and then wet desquamifucation around the last two weeks, and only after a few days from chemo infusion, which are more acute, and subside more quickly once treatment is stopped, compared to long term effects from radiation. Good luck.

Aquaphor works great at first while the sunburn is red. If she develops open sores then try silver silvadene; the doctor can prescribe it. It works well for many. don

She goes in on Monday for PEG. How many of you chose not to have Peg or did you have a choice.? They said she might not need it but it's there just in case. I don't think they gave her a choice in the matter...for those of you that had PEG, Did you have to use it?

I did not have a PEG, did not want one and was not forced to get one, although there was plenty of pressure to get one just in case.

It seems it is really necessary when one can no longer drink fluids, water and liquid nutrition. If you can get down liquid then to me a PEG is not critical as one can remain hydrated and nourished with liquids.

Later, you go back to eat soft foods and also mash up food in a baby grinder like I did. Soon enough you are going again.