| | Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 14 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Nov 2013 Posts: 14 | I have an appt. with the VA surgeon tomorrow to discuss my upcoming surgery. I think the plan is to remove about 1/2 my tongue and possibly the lymph nodes. At this point I don't think Rad. or chemo is part of the plan. I also have an appt. with a surgeon at the UT CCC for a second opinion on Fri.
I have compiled a list of questions to ask which I'll summarize below.
OPERATION: What and how much are you taking? How long will it take? How will you know if you need to take the lymph nodes?
RECOVERY: How long in hosp. How long at home (to "normal" activity levels)? What post op therapy will I need?
SIDE/AFTER EFFECTS: Talking? eating/swallowing? soreness?
fatigue?
What am I missing and what are your experiences? Any surprises you brave warriors can spare me will certainly be appreciated. I'll be happy to post the results of my consult tomorrow.
Thanks
Bud
Male, age 65, smoker, former drinker. Retired corp. pilot. diagnosed with stage I squamous cell in the lower tongue. Fairly active. I don't "exercise" exercise but work in the lawn and garden and work on my hot rod cars.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Here are a few things I would ask.......
Will they will be doing frozen sections during the surgery?
How many similar surgeries the doctor preformed?
What other surgeons (and their specialties) would be participating in the surgery?
Will I have a trach? ---- If so, can I have a possey muir valve trach?
What kinds of pain meds will I get after surgery?
Will I be kept sedated after the surgery?
What common complications have you encountered with this type of surgery?
As far as answers to your questions go, dont be surprised by the answer of "everyone is different". Its not easy to predict how a patient will respond to surgery and recovery. Make sure the doc gives you enough pain meds to control the pain. Nobody should have to suffer with a major surgery.
Best wishes with everything!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 559 Likes: 1 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 559 Likes: 1 | Hi Bud:
Well I can't add any info to the above, but I sure can wish you the best of luck, minimal discomfort and speedy recovery.
Let us know how it turns out.
Keep the green side down and the blue side up.
Tony
Tony, 69, non-smoker, aerobatics pilot, bridge player/teacher, avid dancer (ballroom, latin, swing, country)
09/13 SCC, HPV 16, tonsillectomy, T2N0.
11/13 start rads, no chemo
12/13 taste gone, dry mouth,
02/14 hair slowly returning
05/14 taste the same, dry sinuses, irrigation helps.
01/15 food taste about 60% returned, dry sinuses are worse in winter.
12/20 no more sinus problems, taste pretty good
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