I'd like to get feedback from individuals who have already undergone the mouth disection using free flap procedure (from forearm). I am scheduled to have this done next month. What I have read has scared me to death. My Dr. and the plastic surgeon while they say it is a major surgery, seem to think life will get back to normal fairly quickly. My CA has not spread and they believe it is localized so I will not be getting radiation after the surgery.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

Hello Corliss

It is good news that the cancer is localised and that radiotherpy will not be needed. The surgery to the tongue is repaired with the flap. The degree of disability is dependent on extent of tongue removed. Many of my patients and members here have had the procedure. Read the patient stories (like PH's story ) on the main MCF website or do a search for tongue cancer on the message board to read past discussions. I am sure several members will be able to set your mind at rest once they read your post. We are here to help.
Best wishes
Vinod

Eating is the main problem for my dad as food now gets stuck since there is no saliva there to push the food down.. days of steaks and pizza are gone even drinking alcohol is out of the question.. Think long and hard about it as life will be different

Corliss
I had my flap done 2 years ago, the op is long (mine was 12 hours and you may need 24hours in ITU, to let your body recover) I had a trachie fitted for 5 days and a PEG tube for feeding as I was nil by mouth for 4 weeks while the graft to my tongue and tonsilar piller healed.
The trachie is difficult but certainly doable, if you have one you will need a whipe board or a note pad, some ready made up flash cards are usefull (with all the things you says lots of times) or if you have a laptop you can download www.readplease.com a free text to speech software, great if you have kids they love it.
The graft on your arm will be sore, but I was given a nerveblock in my arm which lasted 3 days, and a morphine pump for a few days.
I was talking immedatly the trachie was out, I was eating soft food after the 4 weeks was up and was home after 10days, and my understanding is that this is the norm.
This week I went for my two year check and all is clear, it is not an easy option but if they can remove it all with sergery the long term prognois is very good.
I've lost about a third of my tongue. Do you know how much they will have to remove?
My speech and eating are fine, except I now dislike chocolate and things that are very sweet.
If you are undecided go back to your Doc and ask some more questions..
When I posted this I had not noticed the original date of the post, but I will leave the post on the forum in case it helps anyone else.
Helen