Bloop,

I passed the 2-year-post-surgery mark this week, will pass the 2-year-post-radiation mark in August, and my tongue is still improving. Strangely, I've noticed a big improvement in just the last couple of months or so. Still can't do spicy hot foods, but that's pretty standard. Your mouth was assaulted during your treatment and it just takes a whole lot of time for it to recover. Yes, its frustrating and discouraging, but chances are it will get better!
And for the massage, I had some treatment/massages on my neck from a lymphedema specialist and it was wonderful. Soft and gentle stroking to get the fluids moving again, nothing deep or harsh. If your doctor recommends and your insurance will cover, I say go for it!

- Margaret

Stage IV SCC lt lateral tongue, surgery 5/19/08 (partial gloss/upper neck dissection left side/radial free flap reconstruction) IMRT w/weekly Cisplatin & Erbitux 6/30/08, PEG 1 6/12/08 - out 7/14 (in abdominal wall, not stomach), PEG 2 7/23/08 - out 11/20/08, Tx done 8/18/08
Second SCC tumor, Stage 1, rt mobile tongue, removed 10/18/2016, right neck dissection 12/9/2016
Third SCC tumor, diagnosed, 4/19/2108, rt submandibular mass, HPV-, IMRT w/ weekly Cisplatin, 5/9 - 6/25/2018, PEG 3 5/31/2018