Hello all. My name is Bob L and I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Oral Cancer of the tongue in March, 2019. Surgery to remove the tumor occurred on 5/7/19, where 2/3 of my tongue and the tumor were removed and the portion of the tongue that was removed was replaced by a flap from my leg. Between late June and early August, 2019, I had 30 radiation treatments and 5 Chemo treatments. Follow up scans in October of 2019 showed the head and neck area to be clear, but a small nodule was found in my left lung that was not there when pre-surgical scans were completed. The nodule was found to be cancerous and I just completed 5 Cyberknife Radiation treatments on 1/13/20. Follow up scans will occur in a few months with one exception. Around the Holidays, I felt as if I picked up a cold. For the last few weeks my voice has been weak and high in tone. I’m also dealing with increased pain in the back of my head and neck on the left side, and the pain shoots down into my left shoulder area. Off and on, my throat is slightly sore on the left side as well. I’ve been prescribed pain meds again and they help somewhat, but for the past week the pain is more persistent. As a result I have a CT scan scheduled for next week of the head and neck area.

My first main question is for those who’ve had a similar type of cancer and surgery, has anyone dealt with something similar in the head and neck area 5 months after initial treatments and any thoughts or insights on things that helped and how long the pain and weak voice hung around?

Hey Bob - I'm saying hello and welcome, though since my situation was so different from yours I don't unfortunately have anything concrete to offer. I'm sure someone with experience will come along soon and help you. This is a great place for support and assistance.

All the best to you.
david