I have surgery tomorrow morning to remove a stage 1 cancer in the side of my tongue, and some lymph nodes. I'm told that radiation to follow is a maybe, and chemo is unlikely. I would welcome any tips to prepare. Here's what I've done so far.

I picked up a 16-pack of Boost Plus. I've no idea how long I might wish to avoid solid food, but that will get me started anyway for now. If I need Boost VHC, I will have to order that. I also have a big canister of whey protein, and grass fed beef gelatin. Maybe I should get some hydrated collagen also? I'm teaching my husband how to make gelatin boosted beef broth, and to beat an egg into it without it curdling. He loves to cook and is sure he can puree most anything LOL!

I have Juven equivalent to support healing, in the form of bulk purchased powders of the amino acids l-glutamine, l-arganine, and HMB, and a tiny digital scale. I've put together many servings of the powders in little lidded condiment cups, to add to beverages. Costs about 1/3 of what Juven costs.

I started high fluoride toothpaste prescribed by my dentist. Also picked up a sinus irrigation kit because I'd imagine wide open sinuses would be highly desirable when my mouth is really messed up. I'm wondering if a Waterpik would be helpful at this time, or should i wait to see if I must have radiation?

What else should i have on the shopping list, and what can I do to prepare myself?

Best wishes on a successful surgery, and a speedy recovery.
As far as the possible use of a water pik, I just wanted to repost this tip that gmcraft posted to me, regarding the tongue cleaner attachment. I found it very useful for my thick mucus. (I had developed it twice, from my lingual tonsillectomy, and then from my radiation treatments).

"For the mucous, you can clear it with a Waterpik on the lowest setting, using the tongue scraper attachment with warm water with a bit of magic mouthwash thrown in. I was going to suggest it, but seeing that you only have 3 days left, I wasn’t sure if you wanted to invest in one. If you use it a few times a day, it clears the mouth of mucous. That, I believe, will help with the mucous at the back of the mouth too."

Hi Kathy,

You seem to be well prepared for your surgery. As for the Waterpik, you may or may not need it. Mostly people who have radiation will use it because the treatment affects the salivary glands and they get ropey, thick mucous. However, even if you are not going to have radiation, a Waterpik is still useful in that it will keep your mouth clean and helps get rid of plaque. My daughter is a dentist and she recommends the Waterpik to her patients. All the very best for the upcoming surgery.

Thank you CM57! I didn't know Waterpik had a tongue attachment. I will be sure to look for it.

Thanks Gloria. If radiation is in my future I will definitely get a Waterpik. For now though, sounds reasonable to just wait and see.

Wishing you all the very best with your surgery, Kathy!!! I love how great you are with preparing!!! You are ahead of the game by getting so many things ready. Hopefully your surgery and recovery will be easy and not too painful.

Please be very careful with taking and making your own "formulas" with over the counter supplements. To me, it sounds like a great idea to create your own special supplement for your own unique situation. But, until you are finished with all of your treatments you may need to wait to use it. Have a chat with your doc to make certain everything you are taking (even over the counter things) will not interfere with your treatments. Its surprising but it can happen. Years ago one of our members told me about some over the counter things her doc had her avoid during treatments. Sorry but I just cant remember all the details but I know it was just regular stuff many people take.

Make sure if you are in pain, you tell your doc. Nobody should have to go thru any of the things OC patients do without having their pain kept under control. Its hard enough and when in pain that just makes everything so much more difficult.

Best wishes with everything!!! Please post when you are up to it. We all worry about one of own.

Hi KathleenS,

Wish to best of luck your upcoming surgery. I only wish I been half as prepared as you! Stay positive.

Matt