Hi. I am mrsM and my Mother-in-law has Tongue Cancer (on the left side of her tongue) and it has caused her tongue to bleed and swell at times during her treatment. She is quite secretive to her cancer (not even admitting/telling her son/I for nearly 4 years). I am seeking information to help her or get some advice.

She is in her mid 70s, 85 lbs or so (always been somewhat petite). She was a drinker of a south american tea drink (mate) for 55+ years (which we think caused the tongue cancer but not confirmed, just speculation although its on the cancer institute's website that it has a carcinogenic in the tea - nice huh?). She's always been in shape and healthy, doing most things naturally (no drugs).

I was wondering is there anyone out there with tongue cancer that had a positive result with a natural remedy and what was it? She did do chemo/radiation (not sure if it was real chemo) and advil for treatment along with rinsing salt in the mouth and somehow 3+ years ago went into remission.

Approx 5-7 months ago the tongue cancer came back and I think its bad. I saw it and it's partially white/red on the left side of her tongue from back to front. It looks painful and the smell is horrible because she can't really eat much. Recently the loss of blood from her tongue left her with 4 pints of blood in her body, which nearly killed her. A blood transfusion saved her life, although her legs are so swollen from fluid retention. We are waiting on tests and have pretty much found out it has spread to her lymph nodes.

Any advice or your story would greatly help. She has continued to not want any type of pain medication in her system and she is obviously suffering badly. Her face has become disfigured with the tongue cancer causing it to look really different. Her body is frail and boney and her spirits seem to be okay. Her mind seems to have been altered and the memory is fading. Thank you for the vent. It's really sad to see her suffering. Thanks!