Hi Kate and Welcome to OCF!

As many on the board would say, �glad you found us, but sorry you had to!�

I also had tongue cancer � right lateral side � and have had 4 surgeries to remove part of the tongue each time. After each surgery I did have problems with speech and still have some problems when I talk a lot or I�m tired, but for the most part my speech is pretty good. Definitely go for the speech therapy. I didn�t as my doctor didn�t recommend it, but I had been to a speech therapist as a child so I did some of the �tongue exercises� which seemed to help. You can start my just moving the tongue in circles, side to side, and try to curl it. I�m sure when you see the speech therapist they will provide better instructions for your particular situation.

I also did not have a neck dissection because my tumor was small, but did have radiation 8 months later (long story). I did have a recurrence a few years later (same location), and at that time some of the doctors recommended a neck dissection but again did not have one. During my �cancer journey� I consulted with 4 surgeons (ENTs) and 2 radiation oncologists at 4 different medical facilities. I did my research, asked a lot of questions, and used the resources on the OCF website and the OCF forum to help me decide.

My surgeries were done by 2 different ENTs and I continue to see both of them regularly. Thanks to the after effects of radiation I am having some dental issues, so I also see a prosthodontist and a periodontist, both with experience with oral cancer patients.

So you are doing the right thing by being checked frequently and I�ve found that I knew something was wrong even before my doctor did. Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is a big and affects you both physically and mentally. Seeing a clinical psychologist is a great idea.

I wish you the best!