[quote=wendys]Please tell me, How did the whole process of eating and drinking for you go? I really love my coffee first thing in the morning and I am not looking forward to going without. I also really enjoy good food.[/quote]

My cancer was in the anterior 2/3's of the tongue also. It was lateral on the underside of my tongue and had been there 1 1/2 years before it was removed.

I've always had 1 cup of coffee in the morning and sometimes a cup in the early afternoon. I really enjoy it, but I actually didn't miss it for the first week. I think it was a couple of weeks before I had my first cup and it was lukewarm. It's actually been 6 weeks since my surgery and I still haven't had that steaming hot cup of coffee, it's almost hot but I'm getting there. LOL

My pain pills had to be crushed in applesauce at first. It tasted horrible but the morphine was giving me headaches and it was either swallow it or hurt. I kind of felt determined to just do it instead of asking for something else. Right before I left the hospital I was swallowing them.

I started out with broths, protein shakes, ensure, puddings, mashed potatoes/gravy, soups(clear, creamy or pureed) and then went to pureed foods. I was drinking water constantly too. I still use the drinking straws. It's basically all about the swallowing because you just can't chew. It was about a month before I started eating soft foods like eggs and then was pretty much back to normal. It will be a long time before I'm going to try putting anything crunchy hard in my mouth.....maybe one day. LOL

I felt like I was learning to eat all over again. Take very small bites and make sure the puree is not thick when you first try it. I usually used chicken broth to blend. Once I felt better and was back to cooking for the family, I would basically have what they were having, I would just puree it. It helped me to have some gravy on everything, it made it go down easier. It doesn't look appetizing, but it does taste good. I need to post my pot roast recipe. That was yummy pureed and I ate that for days! LOL

What made it hard was that it just plain hurts with the neck muscles moving and the swallowing, but it does get better. I lost 19 pounds and have gained 4 back since I started eating soft foods.

I hope this helps and I'm glad to see you sticking around. I've found a lot of strength I didn't have from everyone here.

Jerry,
I would love a copy of your article too!

I was diagnosed with the same SCC left lateral tongue. I elected to have surgery even though I was scared. The surgery wasnt easy however after a month most people couldnt even tell that I had surgery. I was talking normal and for the most part eating normal. You will lose a little mobility of your tongue, its hard for me to get stuff out of my teeth on the left side and all that has done is make me brush my teeth and floss more. I then found out it spread into my lymph nodes 2 months later when I had a CT and PET scan so I then decided to have the Neck Dissection and follow that up with Radiation. If you looked at me right now you would in no way have any idea that I just went thru hell and back and have only been done with radiation 5 weeks ago! Good luck with everything!

Wendy, welcome. everyone has given you excellent advice. I will be praying for you. I know that what you are going through is scary as we have all been there. Come and vent anytime you want and share how youa re feeling. I know I love being able to come and vent and know that I will not be judged for beeing scared or nervous because of a new pain or symptom. I am glad you found us, but sorry that you had to find us.

Wendy, it seems all of your questions have been taken care of, As for the coffee, don't try it very hot. But that you would learn after the 1st sip. It will hurt and burn terribly bad. I drink about 5 to 6 cups in the morning, but let the 1st get down to the warm stage, then keep adding small amounts as I drink.I', on my 2nd cup at this moment. It needs a little heat to be coffee LOL

Weird thing ... I was a huge coffee fan. I drank several cups of only "gourmet" coffee a day (I also was a coffee snob). After my surgery - & the couple weeks on a liquid diet (without coffee) - I lost my desire for coffee. I may drink 2-3 cups a week. This isn't a bad thing, it's just weird. I don't miss it. I've replaced it with Chai & Oolong tea - which I enjoyed pre-surgery.

I also stopped overloading on carbs. That also is a good thing - I eat healthier now.

It's scary, I know, but OCF is a wonderful place for support and knowledge. You *will* get through this!

Marlene

thank all of you so much. my wonderful darling woman is in this situation&I want the best advice on how to proceed.

Like with a yellow flashing light at an intersection, Proceed with caution.

Nice one Jim...and so true.

MKW,

I suggest you start your own thread and tell us a little about your wife's situation so we can try to help both of you.

Jerry

Hi Wendy, I am sorry you are a cancer patient. But I am happy for you that you are a member here, what a bright woman you are ! Honey, have faith, in yourself and your medical team. I had such confidence from the start, knowing that there are treatment options available. How often I said "what if I had tongue cancer 10, 15 years ago?" My ENT wanted to do surgery, he was very unhappy w/me when I went back f/my 2nd appointment. I told him I was going with the advice my radiologist gave me. She said she could cure me with radiation & a little Chemo, & she did ! So far so good ! It is one of the worst cancers we have/had. Our speech, eating, swallowing, weight are all affected. The after treatment symptoms may never go away, but it's all do-able !!! Persevere, no matter what comes your way, you can do it ! You have a huge cheerleading squad right here to encourage you along your journey. So many people, so much knowledge, so much compassion & understanding. We have all been in your shoes. How I wish I knew about this site, when during the 5th week of radiation, I so wanted to give up. I needed to talk to someone that knew what I was going through, there was no one. I now know the meaning of "misery loves company". So my dear, you are in my thoughts. With all my heart I wish you all the best. Stay current w/us ! Dianne MH