Hi Heather,

I had 50%+ of my tongue removed, stage 4 and a neck dissection to remove lymph nodes.

No doubt about it, cancer sucks, and you have every right to be pissed off for your husband and your family. This is a place you can vent that anger, because everyone here has felt it. I Know I did.

There is good news. I am 4 weeks past surgery and my only speech issue is a slight Elmer Fudd sound (think "you wascally wabbit"), and that is because the new tongue (which I prefer to the phrase "flap") is still swollen and gets in the way.

I am eating solid food, back at work, and recuperating, but feeling pretty damn good. I still have rad/chemo starting in a few weeks, but I will cross that bridge when I get there.

Know this is beatable. Not a chance I am letting it beat me, and I'm sure your husband feels the same way, especially when he looks at you and your little one.

I'm here to support and encourage. Good luck to you, and let me know if I can help in any way (even if it is just to vent - I have thrown a pity party in my own honor a time or two).

Tina

Tina
Diag: Aug. 13/12
T3N0M0
50% + glossectomy and bilateral radical neck dissection, removal of nodes zones I - V
Surgery October 11/12
Chemo/rad on hold due to clear margins and nodes
Sept 21/13 clear CT with anomaly thought to be the artery, being watched closely.
Dec 16/13 - anomaly confirmed artery, all clear
nickname: "get 'r done"
Plans: kick cancer's butt