It has been a while since I posted. I had a small piece of my tongue removed. Later biopsy showed lymph node involved.
Neck dissection accomplished and node removed. Biopsy of surrounding nodes was negative but radiologist recommended "just in case" radiology treatments. All of my teeth were removed 2 days ago (huge ego buster for me) and feeding tube to be installed tomorrow. CT scan scheduled for Monday and radiology treatments to commence sometime after that. I'm not looking forward to the next couple of months but will do what needs to be done. I am blessed with a loving saint of a wife who is walking this walk with me without complaint. I think I am most concerned about falling in to "situational depression" and leaning too hard on her. I am already self conscious about my "tooflesness" and ability to speak clearly but I want to remain as active as possible during the duration of this
treatment period. Any tips from those who have been here would be appreciated.

Thanks
Bud

Hi Budi

Sounds like the cancer was caught in the early stages which is great. Do as the doctor recommended take some Radiation treatment. Its also a good idea that your getting the feeding tube. Between having your teeth pulled and the treatments you may have some pain and a hard time eating.

Its wonderful that you have such good loving wife to stand by your side along the way. It helps to have all the support you can get.

Good luck with your treatments.
Heidi

I hear you about the teeth, Bud. I had all mine extracted 3 weeks ago, but am post treatment. I'm surprised they would start treatment so soon after the extractions. The usual wait time is 3 weeks, although some say 2 werks is sufficient, depending on healing, and some as short as 7 days, if it's needed, but a course of antibiotics may be given then, and healing should be done by the time radiation effects, 2 weeks, begin to occurr. This is not only to prevent infection during treatment, escecially with chemo, but ORN, Osteoradionecrosis later on.

Glad you have a caretaker, and shouldn't worry about being a burden. Take one day at a time, and do what you can. Everyone is different. It also depends on the extent of radiation, dosage, locations, if having chemo concurrently, and other factors.

Good luck