Hi, my name is Debbie Im 39 years old and Im from Melbourne Australia. In July last year I was diagnosed with a "adenoid cyctic carcinoma" of the tongue base. The doctors first plan was a total glossectomy, but during surgery this was aborted as they decided that too much of my mouth would have to be removed to be successful. The next option was radiotherapy (this type of cancer does not respond to chemo Im told) I had the highest possible dose of radiotherapy over 7 weeks.

My first CT scan after 3 months showed the tumor had shrunk but not completely, the following scan another 3 months later showed the tumor had not shrunk any further as hoped but was dormant. (Had not as yet got any worse)

Since having the radiotherapy Im no longer able to eat or drink anything oraly, and am completely reliant on PEG feeding. (My diet is soley Ensure Plus, but I am going to introduce some fresh vegie juices)

My questions are, has anyone had any success in regaining their ability to swallow affectivly after radio? the speach therapists & docs etc suggest that most people who have damage to the tongue by radio' show little or no improvement. Tongue exercises seem to have helped a little, but not as yet enough to make a difference.

As Im sure a lot of you know this can be a real dampner on your social life! it seems that everything we do is centered around eating and drinking, and Im getting a little tired of going to the movies!

Also I would be interested to hear of anyone else who has had this type of cancer, I am told it is fairly rare. Or of any similar situations.

Any sugestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated, I would be interested to hear of thoughts on diet, like what would be the best vegies with cancer fighting properties to juice.

I have only just discovered your web site and have started to read some of the messages. It has been great to see the support given and Im sure I will be a regular.

Looking forward to hearing from you, Deb