I have had two surgeries to remove 1/3 of my tongue each time. I just had my second surgery two months ago with the flap procedure. Right now my tongue is white and I was wondering is this is normal after surgery?

Hi JJ-
You might want to post this again in the "medications, treatments" section too. It gets a little more action than this section.

That sounds like something to call the doctor for. If your tongue is white it could mean that you have thrush or some kind of other yeast problem (just a guess as I've never had the surgery, but I have had a white tongue with thrush like 5 times!)

Melissa

I may have to have surgery again also. First time I lost about 1/4 of my tongue and had rad.
Am wondering if they take more if I will be able to eat or talk. What are you experiencing in that area? Thanks

Yes You will - it takes lots of practice and hard work but it can be done. So sorry to hear of your reoccurance XO Kate

Thank you Kate. Also last time I had 36 rad treatments and did not miss a day of work. It was hard but I did it. I am now 68 years old and still working but plan on using all the sick leave I have if I have to go through this again. I have 3 months so that should be sufficient. However last time I also suffered a lot of pain and refused any medication to help. Did you take meds for pain? If so what helped? This time I want to be informed and prepared. Also this time I feel overwhelmed - any advice. Thanks, I need help!!

My tongue turned white too. It was more or less the healing procedure from what my Dr said. It looks OK . I lost close to half of it . Now we have to check out the other side of it because something is going on there. Man or Lady I should say , check with your DR and find out.. It's the best way to an easy mind. What really bothers me is not being able to lick my lips. LOL

I hate pain meds too but you will need meds for the pain. Don't put yourself through unneccesary torture. I got of them after I got out of the hospital though. Accupuncture really helped with my pain management/ nausea etc. I went to a clinic associated with the UCSF Cancer Center which was great. I didn't have to go back on the meds until towards the end of my chemo and radiation. Then I got off them again completely about 2 months later.

The fentynyl patch was the best for taking the edge off the pain. I could function SO much better on it because it doesn't make you tired and spaced out like the other pain meds (vicodin percacet dillodid etc). I was in so much pain before my surgery it was the only thing that really helped me.

Anyways- if they take alot of your tongue don't get discouraged - everything will turn out OK. They have to take what they have to take for clean margins.