Hi Sequoyah,

Welcome to OCF and I am sorry to read of your cancer experience. I was also diagnosed at 52 yrs old and surprised. I was not a smoker, light drinker, physically active my whole life (ultra-marathons, mountain climbing, surfing, etc). I ignored a sore on my tongue for many months, best guess, about a year. I had on Dentist early take a look and he said "let's keep an eye on that." but really it is my bad. I knew there was something wrong but had never heard of tongue cancer until meeting with my H&N doctor.

I had surgery followed by radiation in 2020. It was a long process and recovery was many months. Some issues, like food flavors, took more that a year to recover. Within a couple years, I had my full life back and then some. Some flavors, like medium or strong spicy food, are still a no go for me. But, running, surfing, work, social life, all that is full swing. Occasionally, I need to stick my finger in my mouth to clear out some food that is stuck or similar. But, I hide behind a napkin. It works. My speech has a slight lisp but nothing too bad and they took half of my original tongue. This took many months to get my speech back. It also took many months to learn how to manipulate food again.

The blessing was my faith. As a result of my cancer experience, I was able to experience life and God in ways I never could before. My purpose has refocused and I have more peace and joy in my life than before.

I don't want to mislead you. Cancer sucked and surgery and treatments sucked. There is not a day that I don't experience some sort of cancer related challenge (speech, food, pain in my neck, jaw, root canals, etc) but I am happier and more content than ever. Sending positive thoughts and prayers that your process brings you back to full health and joy quickly.

Stay safe and keep the faith,
Nels