| Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 11 Member | OP Member Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 11 | Hi, I’m a 35yo female , was diagnosed with stage 3 tongue cancer in sept. Had the tumor on my tongue removed 3 weeks ago as well as 8 lymph nodes.
I am starting radiation on my tongue in a couple weeks and wondering what to expect? I’ve read some about dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, mouth sores, fatigue. Anyone have radiation on their tongue that can give me a little insight ??
Thank you! | | | | Joined: Sep 2019 Posts: 120 Likes: 15 Senior Member (100+ posts) | Senior Member (100+ posts) Joined: Sep 2019 Posts: 120 Likes: 15 | Hello ali,A had daily radiation for 30 days and first 2 weeks went smooth after that skin burns and mouth sores started,for skin I used pure coconut oil and mouth sores I rinsed with salt and baking soda upto 10 times a day I don't know if you gonna have feeding tube or not but mske sure you take in plenty calories to maintain weight. You can find high calory milk shake formulas here just read as many posts as you can that what helped me.goodluck | | | | Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 1,275 Likes: 7 Assistant Admin Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Assistant Admin Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 1,275 Likes: 7 | Just to add to Paan’s excellent advice, a Waterpik is good for getting rid of the ropey saliva. Use the tongue scraper attachment on the lowest setting and put a bit of magic mouthwash in the warm water.
Make sure that you are well hydrated. Drink lots of water even if you can’t eat. Dehydration will weaken you and make you feel awful. If you have trouble with your water intake, talk to your doctor and ask for IV hydration at the hospital.
Gloria She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails... Elizabeth Edwards
Wife to John,dx 10/2012, BOT, HPV+, T3N2MO, RAD 70 gy,Cisplatinx2 , PEG in Dec 6, 2012, dx dvt in both legs after second chemo session, Apr 03/13 NED, July 2013 met to lungs, Phase 1 immunotherapy trial Jan 18/14 to July/14. Taxol/carboplatin July/14. Esophagus re-opened Oct 14. PEG out April 8, 2015. Phase 2 trial of Selinexor April to July 2015. At peace Jan 15, 2016. | | | | Joined: Feb 2015 Posts: 134 Likes: 7 Senior Member (100+ posts) | Senior Member (100+ posts) Joined: Feb 2015 Posts: 134 Likes: 7 | Either you've been involved in sports cars or a typo.
SCC - Squamous Cell Carcinoma SCCA- Sports Car Club of America
SCC stage 1 Nov. '03, SCC stage 2 (clear mrg, no rad, no chemo) RND, Feb. '15 SCC stage 1, lower gum Mar '23, all lower gums and teeth removed
TLC356
| | | | Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 11 Member | OP Member Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 11 | Negative… Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen is what I was told it was called. But thanks for finding what was important to you for a reply.
Allison Early
| | | | Joined: Feb 2015 Posts: 134 Likes: 7 Senior Member (100+ posts) | Senior Member (100+ posts) Joined: Feb 2015 Posts: 134 Likes: 7 | Other than that, how are you doing? I hope you are progressing well.
SCC stage 1 Nov. '03, SCC stage 2 (clear mrg, no rad, no chemo) RND, Feb. '15 SCC stage 1, lower gum Mar '23, all lower gums and teeth removed
TLC356
| | | | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 8 Likes: 2 Member | Member Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 8 Likes: 2 | I believe many people here will tell you that everyone's reaction is different to radiation. But, for me, it was a very rough experience.
I had 30 rounds and the first 15 were rather uneventful, but the effects are cumulative, so that means it gets worse as you progress through your treatment. By the end of it I had lost my appetite, lost my taste, lost a lot of weight, lost my energy, lost hair on the back of my head where the radiation beam travelled (a radiation haircut!), and gained constipation from the pain meds. It took another month or so to regain energy and appetite, and a little longer to regain taste. Yes, there are mouth sores, trouble swallowing, and all sorts other issues that I may have forgotten about.
BUT, I made it through and would do it again just to have the peace of mind that I did everything possible to prevent recurrence. I've been cancer-free for over 8 years.
You are younger and your situation may not be as bad as mine was, but don't hesitate to go through it and see it to the end. You'll be glad you did after it's all over.
Sean
Diagnosed at age 49 with SCC on tongue, July, 2013, non-drinker, non-smoker. Surgery August, 2013, with partial glossectomy, neck dissection, forearm flap. 30 rounds of radiation, completed in November, 2013. No chemo. Currently clear. Still teaching high school.
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Chuckles, Brian Hill | | |
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