The last time I took a swallow test, it was a breeze with all the test substances, but this time the only part of my tongue left is about 3/8" in the back. I'm surprised I have the swallow ability at all.

The real problem, besides the total glossectomy, is that radiation plus two surgeries has left my neck a mass of scarring that is blocking both my esophagus and trachea (I still have a trach tube, so even a successful swallow won't be much in terms of food volume.


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.