 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Dear H,
I can only tell you from my experience with only a partial glossectomy, it took me 10 days before I could even try semi-solid foods. Liquids were even tough at the beginning. As far as taste is concerned, that will certainly be diminished as the muscles that are used to rebuild the tongue won't have any tastebuds. The remaining tongue will do what it can.
I also noticed that during those 10 days I was not hungry at all. My body knew I couldn't eat so the hunger shut down. After that first taste of food, the hunger started.
Sorry, but I can't answer your question about the radiation as I didn't have any.
Please wish your mom good luck from me and I suggest that you have others with you during the surgery as the waiting is the hard part. That's what I told my wife and kids. I had the easy part.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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