I have only known for 2 weeks that I have cancer of my tongue. The ct scan shows nothing in the neck, so that is a good thing. I have had most of my lower teeth removed in preparation for radiation treatment which will begin soon. I am already in pain - the ulcers on my tongue are very painful. I can't imagine what is to come with the radiation. I try to keep calm, but it is really hard.

I never smoked, don't drink, and there is no cancer in my family, so this is a complete shock.

Betty I'm so sorry to hear about your cancer. Time and information will ease your fears. There are a lot of people going through what you will soon be going thru. They are a great support for you with tons of information as well. I know you don't feel great about your situation but if you don't have any positive neck nodes that is fantastic news. The radiation will not be easy but you will get thru it. Ask lots of questions and you'll be amazed at the well wishes from people at this site helping you along each step of the way. Wishing you well Betty.
Mark D.

Betty,

I'm sorry you found yourself in this situation, but you've come to a place with lots of information about oral cancer and support from people who have been through it. Like you, many of us also didn't seem to fit the "typical" risk profile for this disease and were stunned to find out we had it. Can you give us some more background about what you know so far -- where on the tongue is the cancer located, what kinds of tests you've had, whether you're being treated at a major cancer center, etc.?

Also, can you clarify why they pulled your teeth? Were they teeth with existing problems that needed to be pulled anyway? It's usually not necessary to pull otherwise healthy teeth "in anticipation" of radiation.

Regarding the pain -- if you have an experienced head and neck cancer team, they should be doing everything possible to keep your pain under control from now all the way through your treatment.

Please don't hesitate to post your questions and concerns here as you go along. Also, try to make use of the enormous amount of information about oral cancer that can be found elsewhere on this site -- it can help you be better prepared for the next few months to come.

Cathy

Betty, I am so sorry you need to be here, but glad you found this site. If you go to the search engine on the forum pages, you can type in words or phrases such as "tongue", "radiation", "coping", just about anything, and you will find people who have been through what you are going through, have posted their experiences, tips and hints for making the journey easier. It's a great source of comfort to KNOW.....and this is where you can get that comfort.
Andrea

Betty,

Like Cathy said, please provide us with as much info about your cancer and treatment so that we can give you the best possible advice. It's easier to add it once below your signature so that every time you post a question or respond to a post it will be there to provide a more complete picture of you.

Betty, Hello. It's important that you let us know more about you so we can communicate better. There are a bunch of folks here who will stand by you during treatment. You won't be alone. You gotta be really tough, but you can get through this. Keep talking to us. Amy

Betty
You hang in there. Its not and easy road, but with todays treatments, you will be in good hands. Keep coming back to this site it will help you thru some of your fears.

Betty,

My sense is that if you aren't scared, you don't understand what you're up against. Being scared is a perfectlynormal way to feel. Use the fear to motivate you to get educated - that's the best wayto put this energy to good use.

Clint

Betty, Take a deep breath...and breathe. I know just how you feel, i was really scared too at first, READ,READ,and READ more on here, read everyones post, it really does help alot, first you learn you are not alone in this, second you will meet great people, that will help you get through this scarey time. As far as the mouth sores, i used "DGL"(deglycyrrhizinated licorice root extract) got it at a health food store, dissolved a tablet and applied it to the sore, within a day or so, the sore was gone!!! Any other thing you need help on, just ask, everyone will be able to help and let you know what worked for them. YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS, some days will be harded than the others, but just remember to take one day at a time and READ!!!

Thanks to all of you for taking time to respond! It does help to know that others have gone through similar situations. I know I will fight with all I have, and am getting as much info as I can. The internet is such a wonderful thing.