Hello, I was Dx in June with SCC, left, rear base of tongue. The lesion had been there noticeably for previous 9 months. After biopsy I had excision done with came back with free edges. Oral surgeon said I would possibly have some nerve damage and loss of taste. I am almost 90 days out and I am experiencing tingling sensation on left tip of my tongue and sharp pulsing pain near the rear, base , lower jaw. Everything taste funny, even water and have consistent dry mouth. Next month I have a follow up with my primary physician and will discuss what to do next. I am looking for any advise, support and I’m eager to hear from anyone with similar experience.

Welcome to OCF, Robert! Im glad to hear you have found our group to help you with info and support.

You may have thrush, an infection or swelling pressing on a nerve causing your current issues. I suggest going back to the oral surgeon to get rechecked and make sure everything is ok. From my experiences, doctors like to manage their own patients with their aftercare from surgery up to the 90 point so do not delay in getting back there for your recheck. Do you have oncologists? Have you been to a cancer treatment center? Are you referring to an ENT or another cancer specialist for next months recheck or is this your regular family doc? If so, I would not advise going to your family physician for cancer follow up! That type of doctor usually does not have the years of cancer experience necessary to properly treat someone with your serious medical condition. Hopefully you have nothing serious and your recent changes will be easily corrected.

Best wishes!

Robert, You wrote: "Next month I have a follow up with my primary physician." Is this physician a specialist?

Usually an oncologist, ENT, or both rather than a Primary Care Physician (generalized family doc) set up a regular schedule for rechecks. Typically oral cancer patients have frequent and close follow-up with a specialist after surgery. In addition, sounds like you should return to original surgeon and explain the ongoing symptoms that you listed in your post. It could be that this is expected, but you should get clarification. I would not wait a month to be seen.

There are many side effects to manage after all oral cancer treatments. At 90 days out your treating physicians should expect that you will have many questions.

Please keep in touch with us,
Lottie

Thank you Christine for your response. I do not currently have an Oncologist or have been to a cancer treatment center. I will be asking for a referral by my primary physician and oral surgeon for follow up treatment. I am glad I found this support group to see what patients have experienced with cancer.

Ok, thanks Travelottie.