Last year I was diagnosed with tongue cancer. Surgeons cut a pie shaped wedge out of my tongue & a few lymph nodes out of my neck & sent me on my way...no cemo or radiation.
March 2004 I had neck disection surgery taking out all lymph nodes in my neck followed by radiation which was just completed in June.
About a month ago I noticed my neck had started to swell & for the past few days my tongue has been swelling up. My oncologist didn't seem worried last week, but, this morning my tongue is more swollen. Because of the dry mouth I have been using biotene toothpaste, but have noticed my tongue has a green hue, so went back to normal toothpaste 2 days ago. Thrush was the first thing that came to mind, but that was white not green. I will be seeing my oncologist today about the swollen tongue. I was just wondering if anyone who has had a similar surgery has had this swelling or knows?
Bye the bye...thanks so much for your stories, they have keep me sane.

Welcome marshmint, I would not even jump to an answer on this one, your doctor will answer all your questions today. But please come back and let us know how you are and what this is. Perhaps it will help one of us should it ever happen to us or someone reading this...So how have you been since the surgery?? I am struggling with the aftermath as well. I have so many bad days that when the good ones come I don't know how to react to them. I am so tired. I had blood work yesterday, I get the results back tomorrow. I am hoping this sheds some light as to why I am so tired all the time..And sleepy, yet I cannot sleep at night. I am going thru some weird things here and I do not know why. Let us hear from you, Bless you Always, Vicki Lynn

Hi marshmint

Your oncologist is probably best qualified to answere your questions. Let us know what he says.

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Hi Vicki

Anemia is a common complication of cancer and its treatment. It can cause fatigue. The blood tests will show if this is your problem. Sleep disturbances can be related to feelings of Depression and Anxiety.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee:

Dr. Joshi, I was anemic about 2 months ago but we have that under check now. I was thinking and did ask my pain manangement doctor about my thyroid tho. It has been dead since the radiation in 1999/00 however with the neck dissection in feb 03 they removed half of it because they could not get the trache in, it was that huge. So I am now wondering it since they removed half if they should have done a thyroid panel on me to see if I needed more or less medication than what I am presently taking. This is what I find out tomorrow. They also talked to me about drug induced diabeties. Lord I pray to HEAVEN above that I do not have that. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, NO!!!!!!!! No one in my family has ever had it, I pray to GOD that I am not the first. I have enough to deal without that in my life. However if this is what it is I will have to deal with it like I have had to deal with the rest of all this...I am nervous about tomorrow, but at the same time I am so ready to find out what is going on with me. Thanks Dr. Joshi-Always Vicki Lynn

Checkin in after over a week. The oncology doctor said it was thrush & gave me a solution to swish & swallow for a week. Seemed to take care of the green color on my tongue but not the swelling. My neck is still swollen also. My radiologist says it's because of the surgery taking out the lymph nodes in March 04. There isn't anywhere for fluid to go. Oh wonderful, he says it's the pumpkin head syndrome or I have a waddle like a chicken or rooster. I'm sure glad I have a sense of humor. Next week I'm going in for an lymphedema evaluation to see if physical therapy will help. Thanks for those who replied.
Joyce (aka marshmint)

Hi Marshmint

After surgery & radiation my face was so swollen and sometimes I use to wake up with a very swollen bottom lip...I was told that this was caused by lymphdema, like you said the fluid has no where to go. A few months after treatment finished I started having lymph massage to my face & neck... it felt really nice as it is very gentle. Unfortunately I had a scare when I found a lump in my breast a couple of months after starting this & was advised to stop with the massage for if there are any cancer cells left apparently doing this lymph massage may cause the cells to travel. Now after a year on my face is still swollen and especially in the mornings. I would like to restart the massage again but feel a little cautious.

Let me know how you go
Kelley

Hi Kelley

There is good information on lymphatic massage at Lymph Drainage Massage and Lymphatic Drainage Massage. It appears that cancer is a relative contra-indication - not advised before or soon after for fear of spreading tumour cells. But it should be safe after 18 months and safer with time, I would think - I doubt there are any studies that show this happens in reality. Breast cancer patients don't seem that worried, see below:

from USC Health Magazine article on Fluid Movement after breast cancer therapy

quote:

"It's important to catch lymphedema early," says Brendon Twigden, P.T., a physical therapist who offers a lymphedema program for cancer patients at USC/Norris. "The sooner it is treated, the better the result. It is unwise to allow the condition to progress significantly and then come in for help."

The mantra for early lymphedema sufferers is simple: elevation, elevation, elevation.

Physicians can show patients exercises that involve elevating the arm above the heart to help circulate fluid, Twigden says. Some patients also benefit from a device that keeps the arm elevated while they sleep.

Since lymph flows in the body through the pumping action of surrounding muscles that push on lymph vessels, moving the affected limb and flexing muscles can help patients.

So sleeping with the head elevated slightly and making faces at whoever you don't like should help too.

Best wishes
Vinod

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

Hey Doc

Thanks so much for that info...you always have such fantastic answers, very well informed Doctor indeed!!!! I can't wait to read up on what these articles have to say. I find it so hard to elevate my head more than normal when I sleep as I am a tummy sleeper! but as for the face pulling I reakon I've pretty much got that down pat. That guy in Vicki's lift would have dropped where he stood if he'd caught the look I'd have directed his way today & then in self defense the boot would have sunk in. You Spiderman, me Wonderwoman ....mean man minus his goolies :lol: :lol:

Thanks again for the information!

Regards
Kelley ( :