I was relieved to learn from my(VA)ENT doc that my cancer of the tongue is stage I. I am supposed to meet with his boss (surgeon?) in the next week or so to discuss a plan of action. Sounds like they are going to recommend surgery with removal of about 1/2 the tongue (really?) and possibly the lymph nodes though at this point there is no indication they are involved. I am fortunate to live near the UT Cancer Research and Care Center and plan on getting a second opinion there.
I would really like to hear from those who have "been there, done that" as to what my post operative challenges
in recovery might be (eating, talking, etc). I'm a 65 yr. old male.

Thanks
Bud

Been there done that, and they are doing exactly what should be done. Despite the fact that there doesn't seem to be nodal involvement, it's better to have the neck dissection. This cancer can seed to the nodes and this will not show on a scan. So they remove the cancer, leave the nodes and then a month or two later your nodes flair up! then you are facing another surgery and / or possible rads and chemo.

And despite the early stage this is VERY possible. SO better safe than sorry, and if they do remove the tongue cancer and the nodes and you get an all clear in the nodes then chances are you may have dodged the rads and chemo bullet. Best of luck my dear... and kick it in the butt.

PS the surgery - is okay... and doable. It's a big surgery (I had 1/3- 1/2 of my tongue removed) about 10-14 hours and includes a graft of your tongue, but pain wise it's not too bad because they cut the nerves in your neck (you'll need phsyio on your shoulder after) so you are numb your mouth will hurt but it's manageable. Within three to six weeks you'll be bopping along okay.
(the large time frame depends on our overall health and healing speed)

Coming out of surgery you will have dressings wherever they took the graft from, stitches in your tongue, a nasal tube for feedings, a catheter, an IV, possibly a trache (you will need a pen and paper of ipad to communicate with for a few days) and a few drains. You will look like you've been hit by a baseball bat... but you will be okay!

Cheryl,

I would contend that a good surgeon cuts no nerves in your neck during a neck dissection. I had 38 nodes removes and was out of the hospital in a day and walking 4-5 miles a day thereafter. I only missed a week of work and have had no should or neck issues involving movement or strength since. The only issue is the numbness on the surface that is going away over time.

If a Doc is telling you he's cutting nerves I'd seek a new doc.

Just my $.02

Regards,

-Rich

Wow, a first for me on OCF. Someone wrote something that made me laugh. Maybe I just needed to laugh, but Cheryld's comment "you will look like you go hit by a baseball bat" made me laugh good. Thank you Cheryld.

Now, so I won't be hijacking the thread, Bud you seem to be in pretty good hands with your VA crew. I wish I had the cancer center close by like you do for that 2nd opinion.

It sounds like a pretty involved procedure you are beginning. But from getting to know you via our PM's I think you have more than enough stuffing in you to come out the other side a winner. And having a supportive wife just makes it better.

take care Bud, keep us posted. I hope you have access to a computer and the internet while in the hospital.

Tony

Sometimes the cancer is wrapped around nurves making it difficult to impossible to remove the cancer (THE NUMBER 1 GOAL) without damaging the nurve or other structures.

Remember we all can be different with this cancer but I would ask your doctor to clarify.

Yes - a good surgeon can avoid cutting a nerve however there are several factors that come into play. Firstly the removal of a lump in your neck and the subsequent nodes is a bit different - than a combo neck dissection and hemiglossectomy, it's a little like filleting a fish to be honest. Firstly, unless they split your jaw - they have to actually get to the inside of your throat area and the floor of your mouth therefore it's not quite as superficial as a neck dissection. My surgeon who is the top guy in TO (even did hidden stitches on my neck) split me from behind my ear, to the midline of my throat. He then went in through my neck and removed the floor of my mouth and a third of my tongue (including some of the tongue base - then reconstructed the area. Inside my throat I have stitches that run from my oral tongue down the side of the inside of my throat to under my ear. It's hard to describe. In richl's case the location of his cancer made it unnecessary to cut the nerves, and muscle (which is actually what controls the shoulder) so it really does depend on they type of surgery and involvement. There are also nerves in your tongue that may need to be cut because that is a cancer pathway.

I don't think there's anyone here who's had a neck dissection and hemiglossectomy that hasn't had their sternocleidomastoid muscle cut, and subsequent nerves. Anyone? It really does depend on the location of your cancer.

Best of luck

As far as neck dissections, there are several types, which remove or preserve certain structures. lymphs. I went in for a Modified Radical Neck Dissection, MRND, but due to prior radiation, everything was twisted around the lymph's, cancer, so a radical neck dissection, RND, had to be done on the spot, and that involves removal neck muscle, vein and nerve. In my last surgery, they removed the carotid artery, but had to remove other nerves, vagus nerve, along with it due to prior radiation. They never really know the extent until they get in there.

Hi Bud,

I'm due in Surgery for a partial glossectory and neck dissection on Monday 18th Nov. Both my surgeon and speech therapist have said that I will be eating (albeit soft foods) and speaking (albeit a bit slurred) by the time I leave hospital - which should be a 7 - 10 day stay.

My surgeon has also told me to expect weakness and stiffness of the shoulder due to the neck dissection but that physical therapy can help with this.

Let's metaphorically hold each other's hand as we get through this together.

I wish you all the luck in the world

Cheryl