Hi, I am new to this group and thought I would start here. My wife who is 33 years old has recently been diagnosed with tongue cancer with involved lymph nodes (non-smoker, no previous health condtions, extremly active...ect..I guess cancer does not play any favourites), I would not wish this upon anyone. She has has surgery involving a partial glossectomy with free-flap re-construction from her right arm and a bilateral neck disection. She has also just finshed 6 weeeks of radiation to her oral cavity and neck 3 weeks ago. Radiation sure took its toll on her but is starting to come around bit. She is very swollen on her left side of her face and her tongue has become extremly swollen which has us scared. It was swollen after surgery but it came down to a reasonable level such that she was able to eat well. With radiation the swelling is back and then some. Has anybody out there experienced this side effect and know of any causes (we've herd radiation induced) and how long its duration might be. Any related response would be so much appreciated from the both of us.

Johnny

Johnny,
You've come to the right place!---Just start reading your way through the messages here and your knowledge will increase overnight.
This is a very informative site with thousands of knowledgable and experienced people who will all support you.
Read, read, and read some more and continue to ask any questions you need.

Brenda

Johnny welcome to OCF.This must be an awful shock to you both at such a young age.

Post rad swelling can be a problem and if it is just down to the treatment then a dose of steroids may be the answer.Whatever the problem is, sounds like you need some direction from th doctors.

liz