Well, I had my surgery done Wednesday. It was very stressful as the anesthesiologist came to the bedside pre-op and was very nasty to the nurse and went storming off in anger. I told the nurse that I was a bit uncomfortable with my life in this guys hands. So this starts a bunch of BS of the nurse manager coming over and asking me if I would like to take him "off my case." Seems they were trying to get rid of this guy even though he was the attending. I was so stressed out I burst into tears and told them to just do the F-ing surgery, I want to get this over with. The surgeon and CCC are great, I believe it was this one fart. Thank goodness the surgery is done.
I went to my room after recovery and frankly, I was in so much pain. I have bladder issues and felt like I had to pee but nothing would come out. I was just a bumbling heep. Thank goodness my friend Bonnie was with me. And my nurse that nurse was amazing. She was such a young woman but she was so compassionate and supportive. Thank Goodness for her. By the next day, I felt much better. I was yacking away, speech is very mushy but can be understood. I think the morphine helped with my mood. They let me go home that night. And I was glad to go. They took a bit more than 1/4 of right side of tongue and a piece from the floor of the mouth. Also a right neck dissection. They said they did not see anything obvious in the nodes in surgery. They are testing the nodes and the margins they took off in the mouth. I am so scared that I will have to go for radiation. I woke up this morning in alot of pain and my tongue felt it was huge. Once I sat upright, it seemed to improve. I took my Zofran, waited a bit then took my Oxycodone. I don't think it works as well as the Morphine, though supposedly it is stronger. Feeling somewhat better now. But forget eating soft foods. I can't manipulate my tongue well enough, it makes me feel like I am gonna choke. I am sticking with protein smoothies for now.
So, that's the story. Super nervous for results to come back on nodes. Denise

Denise,

Glad this surgery is behind you, and wish you a speedy recovery!

Hi, Denise
Glad to hear your surgery went well. You are very virtuous for not taking a poke at the annoying anesthesiologist (bet his hemorrhoids were acting up!). Give yourself time to heal, and keep up with your fluid and calorie intake!
Maria

Besides the office politics with the anesthesiologist, it seems like everything went smoothly. Sounds to me like you are doing very well. Im surprised you were sent home so quickly. That is a very good friend you have who stayed by your side in the hospital. Hope she is able to check in on you during your recovery.

Best wishes with a speedy recovery!

What a story. I totally understood how you felt at the pre-op. That talk with the anaesthetist is meant to be reassuring.

But you did it! You got through, you're home, you're talking, you're swallowing and the nodes looked good to the surgeon.

The tongue is full of nerves so any surgery to it is painful. I don't think Oxycodone is as strong as morphine although they tell you it is. You sound good, however, so keep up the good work and best wishes.

Good luck and now beat this BEAST!!! Semper-Fi Bob

So glad you got through it - I can't believe they sent you home that quickly!!!!!!! Holy crap. I recovered quickly but they still kept me in for 10 days. Hugs and good luck with everything.

Today I had a follow up with the surgeon. He removed the JP drain which was nice. I have been having a whole lot of pain on my tongue, especially in the morning. It feels real swollen in the morning, so I have been trying to sleep sitting up a bit. It was a little better this morning. Some problems eating, sticking with creamy stuff and protein smoothies for now. I feel like it went really well. So, waiting on pathology reports. I don't know if I will be having radiation, chemo or both or neither. I am anticipating something. Waiting sure is hard. Hope everyone is ok. Denise

Hi Denise,
Just read your entire diagnosis and posts. I'm so glad your surgery went well! Please keep maintaining your calorie intake and keep drinking juices and protein shakes! Stay positive and believe that your tests will come out clear. Dont worry about speech, it will all come back in time. My dad was speaking SO clearly just a month after surgery. Sending prayers your way!
Loves,
Kirti

Thanks for all of the support everyone. Kirti, so sorry about your Dad.
This sure is a rough road. So strange, one day you are planning a trip down to the Smokey Mountains and are checking out cabins online. The next day you are waiting on biopsy results. What a strange life this is sometimes.
Trying to just get used to the idea that there is a good chance I will be going for radiation soon. From what I hear, the side effects can be brutal, very sore throat and pain. I will get through it. Not like I have a choice! My Vitamix should be arriving in the next day or two.
How did you guys get through radiation?? I am trying to prepare by figuring out the juicing/nutrition thing. I am also hoping to have a few visitors. I live alone, so this is where I kinda/sorta wish I had someone I lived with! But I figure it should be okay. I am used to being alone, it really how I feel most relaxed. Maybe have a few people stop by and hang out, watch movies...or will I be too sickly for that? Were you guys abled to eat at all?? Do they automatically give you a PEG? I will have to check out some of the other topics! Denise