2 months after surgery. Tumor excised from tongue (along with 20% of tongue) Margins good and clear (as per surgeon) Likewise radical neck surgery revealed no Lymph involvement. Speech is an issue, but not a big deal I am lucky indeed. Meeting with surgeon on the 19th and do not expect rad to be an issue. My problem-- is emotional. Emotions are a real issue break down on a moments notice wihout real reason. Has this been experienced by others?? Male, Age 56, stage 2 tongue SCC.

This disease will do a number on any emotionally stable person so you are not alone. Let dr and social worker know your problems so they may be addressed early. Depression is very common. Get medication if that is what you need, but do not try to ignore the problem. Many people experience it. Hopefully if you stay on this forum, our support will help you deal with this. Keep us posted as to what help you need. We've 'been there, done that'.

Take care,
Eileen

Sailor,
believe me, I was just as astounded at the emotional mess I wound up in as you are. I've always been able to handle everything, until now.

Don't try to deal with it on your own; it will not work. Talk to the Doctor, and get some help with it. There are medications that work extremely well, and talking to someone who really knows what you're going through helps enormously.

Help is also found right here. When you need to talk about something, we're ready to listen.

Wayne

Thanks for all of your input. You can't imagine how much it helps to know others have the same experience. Actually, as mentioned on prior post, have appt with surgeon on the 19th. He is aware of issue, as the first time I came "apart" was in his office 2 couple of weeks ago. Thanks again everybody for your assistance.

Sailor - Don't be afraid to ask for medication for your depression which is probably what you are experiencing. My husband's oncologist told us after he finished treatment that 75% of her patients experience major depression post treatment and 65% of them are males. It is not a reflection on you, but as she said, "it is what we have done to you and your brain, chemically and just emotionally". It took 2 visits before my husband broke down in front of her and she said "we can fix this" - he has been on an anti-depressant for 8 weeks now and is back to his old self...still a little weepy here and there...but it is a soft side that I think he has acquired just because of the life changing experience of being hit in the face with cancer. It has also helped with his appetite and the more people that I have talked to the more I have found that after any major procedure, i.e. surgery, cancer treatment, etc. that anti-depressants have helped kick the brain and body back into rythym. His doctor has told him that he will probably be on them for 6 months. Take care and be well.
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Caregiver/husband - Stage IV SCC - tx completed 8/06 - neck dissection 11/06

Any rational human is going to have an emotional response to this disease and its treatment. I've experienced fear, anger, sadness & self pity and think all those are 'normal' in this circumstance. Talk to your doctor about depression; it's very treatable.