Hi, I am new to this group and thought I would start here. My wife who is 33 years old has recently been diagnosed with tongue cancer with involved lymph nodes (non-smoker, no previous health condtions, extremly active...ect..I guess cancer does not play any favourites), I would not wish this upon anyone. She has had surgery involving a partial glossectomy with free-flap re-construction from her right arm and a bilateral neck disection. She has also just finshed 6 weeeks of radiation to her oral cavity and neck 3 weeks ago. Radiation sure took its toll on her but is starting to come around bit. She is very swollen on her left side of her face and her tongue has become extremly swollen which has us scared. It was swollen after surgery but it came down to a reasonable level such that she was able to eat well. With radiation the swelling is back and then some. Has anybody out there experienced this side effect and know of any causes (we've herd radiation induced) and how long its duration might be. Any related response would be so much appreciated from the both of us: Posted October 17/07.

Update(Nov 14/07): Wife's swelling is starting to subside(tongue and left side of face and neck region...Better yet she started to eat solid food within the last 2 days, fish, mushrooms, spinanch, pancakes and strawberry cheese cake I can't beleive this day has finally come given that she has been on a liquid diet since September. She remained positive throughout this period and was determined that she would eat again, please be patient when caring for you loved ones it will go along way in the healing process. We have overcome one obstacle of many, we will continue to fight our own battle and wish all the best in your journay's. Follow up apopoinment next week with surgeon and radiation oncologist.

Johnny