I have been lurking here for weeks! I have learned a lot. My husband 43 was diagnosed on January 9th with stage 3 tounge cancer. No smoking or drinking history. Everything happened so fast that I really didnt understand all that was happening. So...this fourm was really helpful. On Feb 6th my husand had 2/3 of his tounge removed, a radical neck dissection (50 nodes)( one micro cell found in one node) and a flap from his chest pulled up to rebuild. On Feb 25th he had a peg feeding tube put in. Swallowing was not really possible. He is now on his 14th day of radiation. My ? is is there anyone out there that had these swallowing problems in the begining that can now swallow anything? When we ask the speech and swallowing therapist she just says "I am hopeful". What does that mean? My husband is starting to think he is wasting his time in therapy. They also said that the radiation can also effect the swallowing overall. I really try to encourage him about the swallowing, but it gets hard when you really dont believe it yourself!

Thanks!
Cheryl

I am glad you have posted, Cheryl. While I cannot address your specific question, until someone does, I want to suggest that being alive is the major concern, and swallowing is secondary. If it is possible to defer the worry about that until after the treatment, it might make things easier for both or you. (And I know, easier said than done.)I recall quite a few posts about swallowing, so if you use the search utility to look for that term, I am sure you can find more information. Come back often. From your lurking, I am sure you have seen what a compassionate and terrific group of people frequent this forum. I wish you and your husband strength in this trying time, and success in your fight.
Joanna