Hi Jill and Dad,

I may have posted to you before in another section. Your dad's situation sounds the same as mine. I had a quick recurrence ( no time or chance for rad) after a T1 SCC rt. lateral tongue in Nov 03 that resulted in a near total glossectomy on the first of Feb 04 among other things. 36 rads after that. I was 68 at the time they took over 85% of my tongue. Recurrence was extremely fast growing and aggressive cancer that also involved my pharynx.

Yes, this operation does change your life but I'm two years out now and hanging on thanks to a supportive spouse and family. I hope your dad knows how to use a computer and e-mail as this has been vital. I use the computer in place of a telephone a lot of times. Also begin speech and swallowing therapy as soon as can and stay MODERATELY busy. Yes, it DOES impact speech. I have gotten used to my PEG tube but now take 10-15 oz. per day of fruit juices, coffee, and thicker (pureed soups) orally via a 2 ounce syringe. The syringe is necessary for me since my new "tongue" (actually a flap from my forearm) is stationary at the floor of my mouth.

I also saw a maxillofacial prosthodontist who fitted me with a palatal drop mouth prosthesis that lowers the roof of the mouth and helps with speech intelligibility. Although most people understand me if I speak slow, using the telephone can be a problem.

Also, I twice daily use bite blocks to stretch my mouth, massage my neck about 20 minutes daily with cocoa butter to help with neck stiffness, and do other exercises a speech therapist will show you to strengthen swallowing muscles in the throat. Your mouth will feel "different" but one eventually gets used to it. Get regular physical checkups. Keep physically active. Keep your oral cavity very clean with brushing and a tongue cleaner (I use Biotene mouthwash & toothpaste).

Sorry to ramble on but I just want to pass on some things I found out in my journey. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you prepare for your surgery. God Bless!

Jim Haucke
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SCC rt lat tongue dx Sep 03 (T2N0M0); surg Nov 03; recur dx 1/04, surg 2/04 (subtot glossectomy, radial forearm free flap, pharyngectomy, trach (out 3/04)& PEG); 36 rad (3-5/04) cellulitis infection of neck dissection area 6/04 and 10/04 -- clear as of 3/06