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Malka,

Have you tried calling the nursing staff at the doctor's office?

My swelling is from the radiation txs and I can usually keep it under control with a heated water bottle...it sure feels good.

Last edited by Ray1971; 01-22-2009 07:42 PM.

7-16-08 age 37@Dx, T3N0M0 SCC 4.778cm tumor, left side of oral tongue, non smoker, casual drinker, I am the 4th in my family to have H&N cancer
8-13-08 left neck dissection and 40% of tongue removed, submandibular salivary gland & 14 nodes clean, no chemo, IMRTx35
11-4-08 Recovering & feeling better
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Just a word of warning...don't let anyone who is a beneficiary in your will wrap a tensor around your neck!!

Be careful out there...

(And David...I killed myself laughing listening to your description of what she should use to reduce the swelling. You sounded VERY much like you were having a "Senior Moment". Have you managed to recall the name of the item yet?)

Donna


Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)
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Not recommended, I think, for early stages (some swelling after surgery being normal, of course) however, might check with care team about lymphedema massage to move the fluid on it's way through the lymph system.


Age 67 1/2
Ventral Tongue SCC T2N0M0G1 10/05
Anterior Tongue SCC T2N0M0G2 6/08
Base of Tongue SCC T2N0M0G2 12/08
Three partial glossectomy (10/05,11/05,6/08), PEG, 37 XRT 66.6 Gy 1/06
Neck dissection, trach, PEG & forearm free flap (6/08)
Total glossectomy, trach, PEG & thigh free flap (12/08)
On August 21, 2010 at 9:20 am, Pete went off to play with the ratties in the sky.
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Malka Offline OP
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I don't think this is fluid as the dr. said no to massage. It seems to be excess tissue from the free flap.


SCC stage II Partial mandibulectomy w. neck dissection- July 2005. Renal cancer w. partial nephrectomy-Jan 2004. Breast cancer discovered in routine mammogram. Successful lumpectomy, sentinal nodes clear, RT only-2008 Reconstruction of mandible w fibula free flap-Jan 09. TORS removal of begnin pappiloma from esophagus-2010. Masectomy,rt breast 2013.
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Have they mentioned the possibility of having to "de-bulk" the tissue from the flap? I understand that sometimes that is necessary. I don't think it is painful, since there is no feeling in that tissue, as I understand it. I guess it would be like mini-liposuction.

You mentioned your Frankenstein tracks on your face....I presume you mean that you have a facial incision....or neck?

I hope things have continued to progress nicely! XO


Colleen--T-2N0M0 SCC dx'd 12/28/05...Hemi-maxillectomy, partial palatectomy, neck dissection 1/4/06....clear margins, neg. nodes....no radiation, no chemo....Cancer-free at 4 years!
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Dr Haakenslash told me that they try to err on the side of too much flap tissue than too little because it's much easier to take the excess away than to add more.

I am curious what they will now do with the area of my oral tongue where the flap partially failed, due to inadequate circulation, once all the tissues have granulated, presuming it doesn't fill completely in by itself (being thigh tissue, how would it know when to stop?).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granulation_tissue

I sure do have a lot of neck scarring from the incisions; two sets in front and a new set on the side to reach BOT.

BTW, one of the objectives of my previous lymphedema massage was to move fluids, but the other was to "mobilize" the neck scarring from the surgery and radiation so my head can move more freely up-down and side-side.


Age 67 1/2
Ventral Tongue SCC T2N0M0G1 10/05
Anterior Tongue SCC T2N0M0G2 6/08
Base of Tongue SCC T2N0M0G2 12/08
Three partial glossectomy (10/05,11/05,6/08), PEG, 37 XRT 66.6 Gy 1/06
Neck dissection, trach, PEG & forearm free flap (6/08)
Total glossectomy, trach, PEG & thigh free flap (12/08)
On August 21, 2010 at 9:20 am, Pete went off to play with the ratties in the sky.
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Posts: 346
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Malka,
It was good to talk to you the other night! You made my
day like I told you! Please keep moving your head and neck
around to keep them mobile. You know that ace bandage might
do more damage than good-just a thought, but I was told it could
be dangerous if it was fluid. Might ask your doctor if it is fluid
or just the flap. I was told my flap would shrink with time. Maybe it has a little or maybe I just am a little more used to the "new
normal". I hope that it works out for you.

But-I just wanted to let you know,today is my 2 year anniversary
(ugh-doesn't sound like the right word to use/) but I had
my surgery for 16 and 1/2 hours 2 years ago today!! Just holding
my breath and realizing how lucky I am to be here today.
It just seems like yesterday. What an ordeal!!!
I am thinking of you. Get interested in a good book or movie.
I know time goes so slowly when you just look out the window.
I have so many bluebirds!! I never knew.
Take care and I hope to hear from you soon.
Debbie


Partial mandibulectomy and neck dissection 2/3/07. T2NOMO.
Had 14 hour operation which included reconstruction of jaw.
Reconstruction failed. Some radiation, no chemo.
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Malka Offline OP
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Results of visit to both ENT and Plastic Surgeon:

All stiches out - no more Frankenstein look
OK to chew - goodby soft food
No need for supprt of leg - the boot goes to the 10 yr old grandson for a costume
Goodby walker - Ok to go up and down stairs like a grown-up on my feet instead of like a baby on my bottom


SCC stage II Partial mandibulectomy w. neck dissection- July 2005. Renal cancer w. partial nephrectomy-Jan 2004. Breast cancer discovered in routine mammogram. Successful lumpectomy, sentinal nodes clear, RT only-2008 Reconstruction of mandible w fibula free flap-Jan 09. TORS removal of begnin pappiloma from esophagus-2010. Masectomy,rt breast 2013.
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Malka..soso glad for your good report! You are a lucky girl to go through such a big surgery without more difficulties than you have had. I'm happy for you! It should be pretty smooth sailing now...just gotta keep healing and getting stronger. YAY! OX


Colleen--T-2N0M0 SCC dx'd 12/28/05...Hemi-maxillectomy, partial palatectomy, neck dissection 1/4/06....clear margins, neg. nodes....no radiation, no chemo....Cancer-free at 4 years!
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Whoopee Malka,
You're on the way now. Throw that walker out the door. You are really making good time. It took me 6 months to get to go back to work. I was not so strong when I went back either.
Keep up the good work. I wish I could chew with you, but I don't
want to go through it again. I'm a scardey cat. You are brave.
You can now get a face lift and botox and be a movie star!!
Just think!!

Hang in there-Way to go girl!
Peace to you,
Debbie


Partial mandibulectomy and neck dissection 2/3/07. T2NOMO.
Had 14 hour operation which included reconstruction of jaw.
Reconstruction failed. Some radiation, no chemo.
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