Hi, I am new to this group. I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Tongue cancer Dec. 4, 2007, had surgery for tumor removal and neck dissection Jan. 11 (clear margins), and am in the middle of radiation (started Feb. 18th). I will not need chemo, as there was no lymph node involvement or metastasis (PET scans and MRI clear). I had a PEG tube put in prior to surgery, and am just now needing to use it again due to wait loss as a result of loss of taste, mouth sores and swallowing pain. I am trying to maintain a positive outlook and remind myself this is only temporary... tough to do some days. I am grateful that I have such a good prognosis. I was a smoker, and was already on Chantix to quit when diagnosed - certainly won't ever smoke again.

Lois

Welcome Lois. Feel free to post any questions or concerns as there are many people on board here to help you. I had a peg tube also and began using it by the end of my fourth week of radiation treatment, which was also the end of my second round of chemo.

Lois:

Welcome to OCF. I wish you good luck going thru your treatments. I too am a former smoker, will never ever smoke again! Feel free to post any questions that may come up during your treatments.

Lois- It seems like your cancer was caught early. Thank goodness. My husband quit smoking 7 years ago and still wound up with cancer. He also has a PEG and probably will for awhile. It has been a life saver for him. This website has been a lifesaver for me! Welcome, Sue

Hang in there Lois. You sound like you are doing as expected, maybe even better. It won't be long before you will walk out of that tunnel and this will be over. I estimate April 15th which is already a date dear to my heart. LOL

Thank you everyone for the words of support. I am now getting so miserable with the mouth sores, I can't imagine another 3 weeks of radiation and then recovery time. I had the 1 cm rumor removed from the left side of my tongue, so I can talk fairly well when screaming into my pillow! I do just need to hear from others that this too will pass and this is ONLY temporary...

I don't know if this will help you. I wrote a blog during my husband's treatment. It is at http://dangreivell.blogspot.com/

He was SOOOOO ready to throw in the towel prior to treatment ending. There was a point in time that he lost faith in his own recovery.

And, now he is doing incredibly well. He lost 30 pounds, he lost his voice, he had trouble opening his mouth, he got thrush 4 times, he was in pain from the opening of his mouth down through his espophagus and we were upping the pain meds daily. And, then to top things off he got a staph infection. All of this was temporary, but it was all upsetting at the time.

The next 5 weeks might be progressively tougher. However, then things will slowly start to improve. Some have an easier journey than others. My husband's journey was pretty tough. Although, in the grand scheme of things...looking back...it was a tiny sliver of his life that was really, REALLY bad.

I don't know if this helps. But, have faith. Have lots of pain meds. And, in my husband's case, he needed a little extra boost with anti-depressions meds and that made a huge difference.

It's a hard road. You are more than half way done. We had a big calendar and I'd mark off each day. Keep up your calories and fluids (I know this is tough to do) and it will help you on your road to recovery.

My husband didn't think he'd get through it and he wondered if "this too will pass" (just like you are) and it did and he's doing great!!!

Hi Lois,
Welcome!!
I have a few suggestions you may want to consider to help with mouth sores.
I have provided many patients who have and are going through similar situations as your self with upper and lower very smooth mouthguards to keep their teeth from irritating the tissues. Teeth can in many cases contribute to the irritation and cause mouth sores.
Avoid alcohol, in any form. If you are currently using a mouth rinse check and see if it contains alcohol. If it does stop using it and ask your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist to steer you toward a better product. Biotene, Oral B and Closys are a few I recommend. As I have said before here Biotene will send you samples if you request them on their website and they have many helpful products.
Keep your teeth and mouth very clean. If you haven't seen your dentist in a while schedule a visit and explain what is going on. He/she should be able to help you.
Try to avoid acidic and spicy foods as they will increase the problem. Try to avoid abrasive foods such as, tacos, chips, toast etc.
Drink plenty of water. Water will help lubricate your mouth and wash away bacteria. Water is also needed in large amounts to aid in healing.
I hope this is useful to you. If I can help you or answer any questions you may have let me know.
Cheers,
Mike

Hi Lois,
Welcome to OCF! I'm so glad you found the site while you are going through treatment. There is so much great information available on the site. I know it helped me to learn my experience was not abnormal.

Hang in there! You sound like you are doing really well with the treatment you are having to endure. Give yourself a pat on the back for your courage and determination to fight this ! Radiation is tough and the side affects are cumulative so there will be some tough days ahead. But you will get through it and it will get better. Keep us posted and we'll support you any way we can.

Kim