Hi,

I am Debbie, age 43, from the UK. I am married (11 years) with two sons age 10 and 6. I have never smoked, and only occasionally drink, but was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue in April 2003. I had an innocuos ulcer which wouldn't heal, and was picked up at a routine dental check - thank goodness! It turned out to be a Stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma. I had never heard of oral cancer.

I had an operation to remove 45% of my tongue and also a radical neck dissection (left side). They reconstructed my tongue from my left forearm. I recovered very well from surgery and felt TOTALLY positive that I would beat this.

The removed lymph nodes were tested and one was shown to have cancer cells. Because of my "young" age they advised radiotherapy - 33 sessions, maximum dose, as a "safety net".

Radiotherapy was a complete nightmare, and I was not prepared at all for the significant problems it caused. I got sever mucositis at end of week 1, and was admitted to hospital in wek 2 as I got pnuemonia. The rest of the treatment went by very slowly, and was agonising both physically and mentally. I found it very hard to see it through - but did so with support from my husband, mum, and lots of close frinds - and last but not least, my two little boys, who so desperately wanted me to "get better".

For about a month after the last session things got worse, and i thought I was going to die at one point, the pain and the bleeding was so bad. But of course I didn't!

Since then check -ups have been positive, and I have been told that I have a 90% chance of survival because it was caught and treated early.

So, why am I anxious and depressed? I try hard to think positively, and live with the serenity prayer every day. I try to live one day at a time and not worry about what might be.........

BUT, now I have a problem with my jaw and teeth. My lower jaw had to be cut in order for the surgeons to gain access to mymouth, and it was pinned back together. Now I find that my lower/middle 4 teeth are loose and wobbly. This has been the case for about 2 months now, but this week I am in pain with it.

THIS WORRIES ME!!!!!

Today, for the first time in ages, I have taken pain relief. The left side of my face is tender around the cheeckbone, and my chin is sore to the touch. I also have pain just in front of my left ear. I am very worried that the cancer has spread.

I am having an x-ray this week to look at my jawbone to see if it is healing well, but I don't think that would show up a tumour. I plan to call the hospital on Monday to tell them about this pain and swelling, but hoped that someone here would be able to share their experiences with me, or tell me that this is all "normal" and nothing to worry about. If I am honest, this is what I am hoping for from you.

I first found this site just after diagnosis, and found it to be the most helpful of them all. Lots of others deal with clinical information, but this is by far the best because real people are sharing their souls. I can't tell you how helpful that is.

If anyone here can help me to get through the weekend I would be very grateful. My usually understanding and supportive husband has gone quiet. I think he too is thinking "here we go again" - though he doesn't say it.

Please tell me that this is a normal side effect from treatment!!

Debbie
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