Hi there,
I should start of first by introducing myself. My name is Kerry, and I am 20-years-old. Last year (2013) I discovered the lump on my tongue and after weeks of running back and forth to my GP (Doctor) I was eventually referred to the dental hospital, followed immediately by an oncologist.
As you can guess I was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue. On September 19th 2013 I underwent a 13-hour-long operation where I had a full Glossectomy, the removal of some saliva glands, part of my voice box and some lymph nodes. Radio and Chemothreapy followed, daily for six weeks from mid-November right up till Christmas Eve.

Now I am a year post operation. I have been given the clear and finally start to feel most of my energy is back on track. Although I am having difficulties with opening my jaw (3 millimetres... that is it) I feel ready to return to work. However, I wont be able to return to my last part time job as it involved constant communication skills, which due to my lack of speaking abilities, I no longer have. I can speak. But very poorly.

So, does anyone had suggestions of times of jobs I can look for? Preferably part time. It is getting me down thinking I can't follow my career path but it is getting me in an even worse mood over the fact I am not back out doing something.

Thanks in Advance.

Welcome to OCF! Im so sorry you have had to go thru so much. Cancer just is so unfair!!!!! Its always nice to have survivors join our ranks.

If you havent already seen a speech pathologist, it wouldnt be a bad idea. Ive had friends who were able to improve their speech tremendously by seeing a SP.

There are many professions that do not require lots of speaking. Factory work, data entry, driving, etc are options. Im sure you will come up with something.

Hi Kerry. It's so unfair that you had to go through all that at your age. What was your original career plan? Can you retrain for a career where speaking is not so critical?

I'm glad that you've been given the all clear and hope you get some good ideas for a return to work:)

Hey Kerry - you had a heavy duty operation so glad you got through everything ok. There is another woman here who Also had a full glossectomy and she's doing amazingly well, she is able to taste and work and speak - I believe it takes a long time to get to that point - 1 year out - you're still fresh! There are a whole pile of jobs you could do.
Could you try tech work? Journalism? Editorial work. So many things - look into what interests you and adapt it for yourself.
Welcome and hugs

Hi Kerry, you are one amazing young lady. To go through a full Glossectomy at your age, words fail me . So unfair, but, you are surviving and that was the aim. Right?
My husband Kris too, has had a total Glossectomy. He though is much older than you. Kris took retirement from his career after his surgery. He was a journalist, editor and PR spokesman. Unfortunately these jobs require some good speech. Even online editing is closed to him as he needs to be able to communicate by phone at least on a daily basis with the editorial team.
Have you sought any career guidance? I would recommend that as a starting point. Maybe a job in computing, environmental work? I agree with Cheryl, decide what would interest you and keep you motivated. Seek out a good career guidance person and go from there.
Remember, there is good life and living to be had and I'm sure that you will find a good occupation with the right guidance.
Take care and let us know how you get on,
Tammy