Well the time is approaching for my third snip of the tongue. This one is a bit more involved as the flap will be created for this one (as many of you have already experienced).

Surgery is to take 8 - 10 hours and the hospital stay is 7 - 10 days depending on the new flap getting along. So I'll be off line for a bit.

I've found this site to be of great encouragement and very uplifting. I invite those that would like to chime in on our family blog to visit robertpemberton.com. (http://www.robertpemberton.com/page5) Your experiences will be well received by my civilian (non cancer) friends as well as my bride of 32 years.

For those facing the fears of cancer I invite you not to go it alone. Continue to reach out as the benefits of an encouraging word are good medicine.

Blessings to all.

Bob (Pembo)

I wish you all the best, Bob.

You are in my thoughts.


Julia

I've got my Calendar marked to send good energy your way on the 14th!!

Good luck Bob.

Love Chloex

All the very best to you Bob and to your family. Keep positive, keep focused.

Bob, I wish you the very best for your upcoming surgery. With my cancer, there was no surgery on the tongue, so I'm not too informed about.

Even though the surgery is so long, you'll never know it since you'll be sleeping. Unfortunately those who are near and dear to you will have to bear that one out. I'll be thinking about you all.

Best wish to you and keep up the postive attitude!!!!!!! Cricket

It all seems somehow surreal, doesn't it? A year ago did you even realize such treatment existed? Tongue snips? Flaps? Who knew?

Best of luck to you.

Mimi

Friends, Thanks for your positive support. I'm very much looking forward to the operation. The pain meds seem to have a schedule of their own and I've not found the pattern that keeps me from having this nerve pain. No matter what I try, the 2:30 am wake up call requires about 10 to 15 minutes of some "pain management" which my wife says is a cute phrase for "Holy Crap, make this go away!!!" ..... cute huh? But to the point. After Thursday I'm hoping to have this thing on the run. Though this seems like such a drastic procedure, the confidence I've gleaned from those in this group that have had the flap has been very helpful. I'm told about 2 - 5% have issues with the flap and since I've been previously radiated my chances of having issues are higher. So, we're realistic while at the same time optimistic in the results.

thank you, thank you, thank you for your kind words of support.

my friends and family are supporting me at www.robertpemberton.com and select "my blog"... my friends would think it wonderful if those on this group would chime in. I would be honored, but don't want any to feel obligated.

This note is for those that have cancer,....you don't have to go it alone. And it's my short term mission to display gratitude as I go through this, while reaching out to others that have a similar story telling them "you're not alone".

Thank you group for being supportive.

Best wishes,

Bob (Pembo)

Hi Bob

Just to add some more words of support. Wishing you all the best for your op. It will be worth it to get rid of the pain (I remember that!).

Will be thinking of you. Let us know how it all went as soon as you can get back on the computer.

All best wishes

Gwyn

Gwyn, Thanks for you words of encouragement. I've focused on "It will be worth it to get rid of the pain". I do hope you are right and trust that you are.

My wife would ask what things might you remember that took your care giver by surprise in the recovery period. Any commnents or thoughts in that area. Joyce (my wife) has taken the care giver role so seriously that I could never afford to pay her what she deserves to be paid....in the never ending pursuit of information, do you have anything to offer in that way?

My right arm will donate the flap material, I'll have a tracheotomy (sp?) to help breath and will be given a tube in my nose for nourishment and meds. They'll have me out for 24 - 72 hours to allow the flap to settle, and then I'll be up to drain and walk around a bit. The hospital stay is scheduled for 7 - 14 days.

Do any of those topics jolt a memory of something to watch for or be aware of.

So thankful to this group of "veterans"!!

Best wishes all!

Bob (Pembo)

In writing this, I am assuming you will be discharged from hospital with the feeding tube still in.

My dad (mum's carer) quickly became aware that the tube had to be rigorously flushed out immediately after feeding had finished or the consistency of the Jevity plus, made it likely to block the tube. It does tell you that in the instructions, but I feel it should have been emphasised a bit more.

I will add here as I remember the "unexpected"

Thanks Winnie, Good point and will remember this one. My tube is in my nose I'm told and not the stomach. But a tube is a tube I suppose and will need flushed in either case.

thanks again,

Bob (Pembo)

Hi Bob

My husband Pete, like your Joyce, was absolutely wonderful while I was in hospital and looking after me when I got home. I had a neck dissection, which it doesn't sound like you are having, and he was quite startled by the size of the wound, but this didn't actually hurt or bother me at all. The biggest surprise for him, though, was when I first had my dressing changed on my trachy hole and how this looked. It's a scary thing, but he was soon changing my dressing without a second thought.

It's a long time to be out for. I was under anaesthetic for seven hours and we were both surprised at how this affected me and how tired I was for quite some time afterwards. I am an avid reader and had collected lots of books to see me through my stay in hospital and I never managed to read a single word (I suppose the morphine must have some effect on one's concentration as well?). It took me quite a while till I was back to my former self. But I got there, with his support. And every day I was feeling better and we could see the improvement. And there was no pain in my tongue!

I had a PEG tube and this caused some problems, but I don't know anything about nasal ones.

I was expecting to have a flap, but in the end they decided while I was on the operating table, that I didn't need one, so THAT was an enormous (and pleasant) surprise for us both.

I am just so grateful that there are people who have the skill to do these operations!

Again all best wishes for your operation tomorrow. I will be thinking of both you and Joyce.

Gwyn

Hi Bob

My doctor initially wanted to close my graft site with flesh from my leg, but it wasn't necessary. "You're a big lady" was how the oh-so-diplomatic surgeon put it. (For once in my life, I made obesity work for me!)

Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and your family during this very interesting time.

Some advice about the NG tube: if you're still using it when you go home the stand they give you to hang bags from will probably not be tall enough. Mom ended up putting mine up on the curtain rod above a patio door (had to be REALLY careful when I turned my head). You are probably going to drink more water than ever--pouring water into the bags after that nasty Comply stuff is the best way to clean it out.

Best of luck tomorrow. I'm willing to answer any non-technical questions you might have.

Julia

i posted pn his other site - fun to see teh list under "who are you?"