#52696 08-06-2002 05:57 AM | Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 17 Member | OP Member Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 17 | I am facing possible tongue removal or part because mine is on the base of the tongue. I have read so many posts where they say they can't swallow without choking after having this done and a flap put in. It sounds horrid. To anyone who has had it..is it worth it or are you sacrificing quality? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks | | |
#52697 08-06-2002 11:20 AM | Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 273 Platinum Member (200+ posts) | Platinum Member (200+ posts) Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 273 | No, you aren`t facing quality....I had my whole tongue removed and my quality of life is at anything better.......I appreciate all the little things, like flowers and pets, and children and grandchildren, and every sunrise and sunset........I don`t taste anything anymore, so what........my wife weights 90 pounds, she stopped eating when I did..............we live and love every day..........it is worth it!!!! | | |
#52698 08-07-2002 02:32 AM | Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 17 Member | OP Member Joined: Aug 2002 Posts: 17 | Thanks. Going for CAT scan today. Pretty sure it is at least in lymph glands, maybe more. Won't know anything today, of course. But go to Houston with the scans Monday so should know something more then. | | |
#52699 08-08-2002 04:11 AM | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 188 Gold Member (100+ posts) | Gold Member (100+ posts) Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 188 | PJ...........You asked about quality of life after facing surgery for tongue cancer and possibly losing a good portion of your tongue. Five years ago I lost over two-thirds of my tongue, had the feeding tube, RAD and chemo and at times didn't think I'd actually survive treatment. I did and I'm so glad I did. The quality of my life is good, but different. I look different, sound different, eat differently and I still fatigue easily. But I am still me. I still enjoy life, laugh with the best of them, and most days I am happy to hop up outta that bed. After losing a large portion of tongue, and fighting the beast called cancer things are different, yet they are much the same---if that makes any sense. You will adjust to your new/different life after cancer. It may take awhile but it will happen. You will be happy to have survived and the rest of living just falls into place. SIncerely, Donna
SCC first time 1989, with a diagnoses of 'cancer in situ' removed lesion, no other treatments. SCC recurrence 1997 of tongue and floor of the mouth. Stage III /IV Hemmiglossectomy (removed over 60% of tongue/ floor of the mouth), free flap, modified neck, RAD and Chemo(cisplatin, 5fu) simutainously. Cancer free 6, yes, six, years!
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