I've been in a LOT of pain for the last 2 1/2 months that narcotics won't touch. I had another biopsy last month, thankfully, all clear, however, the biopsy showed chronic inflammation and epithelial changes.

I was in to see my doctor again today for follow up, and he stated (and I agree - because this was my guess all along!) that the big tough scar band that runs along my inner cheek from the roof of the mouth to the floor is rubbing on my old incision site on the base of the tongue, and that constant friction is causing the pain and swelling.

He is suggesting that I have that part of my tongue treated with lasers to resurface the area, have the scar tissue band removed, and repaired with a skin graft.

Has anyone else had any experience with this? What kind of discomfort should I expect? Frankly - I figure it can't be worse than the pain I'm constantly in right now...

I'd love to hear if anyone else can share their experiences with this type of revision/repair/resurfacing!

Thanks!
Lisa

Lisa
36 years old at diagnosis
SCC of the tongue T2N2bM0 Stage IV
post hemi glossectomy and neck dissection (3/28/07), finished 6 weeks of radiation and Cisplatin x2 6/19/07. Biopsy taken from right side of tongue 7/17/08 - results showed infected abscess and no return of SCC!