Hello everybody. I have just joined the site and have found reading peoples' posts and stories very helpful. Thank you!

Eight weeks ago I had an operation for tongue cancer. This was diagnosed almost exactly four years after my diagnosis of breast cancer in 2003, when I was fifty years old. For the breast cancer I had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The chemotherapy gave me (amongst many other side effects including a pulmonary embolism) thrush on the side of my tongue. When this was treated I was left with a white patch which did not go away - my GP diagnosed me with leukoplakia and referred me to maxillo-facial where I had a biopsy in July 2004. At this time there were no abnormal cells whatsoever. This year the patch became very sore, I had another biopsy and was found to have cancer.

Initially the tumour was thought to be over 2cm and I was advised that I would need to have a tongue flap. However when they operated they found that the tumour was much smaller than they thought and they were able to cut it out and just close the wound. Which was great news! As I had to wait 8 weeks for my operation (I was the smallest cancer they were dealing with at the time) I did what I could while I was waiting. This included taking vitamin D, listening to sublimal messages, taking plenty of exercise and doing self-hypnosis. What effect any of this had I suppose I will never know.

Anyway I am currently doing well and realise that I have been relatively lucky with both my cancers compared with what many people have to go through. I have been assured that the cancers are not connected in any way, but I can't help wondering about that thrush...

I have one question. I smoked for a few years as a student but gave up 28 years ago. I drank very little before my breast cancer and even less afterwards. What is the advice on drinking alcohol once one has had mouth cancer? It would be nice to have the odd glass of wine once in a while, but not if it is going to make the cancer more likely to come back!

Thanks again for your help.

Hi Gwyn
I'm sorry I can't help with any of your questions, but I'd like to say 'Welcome'. Glad to hear that you seem to be coping OK following your surgery.
You'll get good feedback on this site ~ everyone is a lifesaver.
Cheers from Down Under
Deborah

Hi,
Its 06.15 am and here I am on my laptop even before I am completely awake!When I read Gwyns post and Deb's reply- I can tell you a bit about cancer and alcohol. Though I was never much of a drinker (not out of choice though!) I used to smoke a lot. The result today is there to read on the main page as "Ananth's story".

Some time back I knocked off almost half a bottle of good wine, in the middle of the night thinking it was Pepsi and since I am not a drinker - the wine was enough to take me on wild rides. I spoke to my doctor the morning after with my head throbbing and a great hangover. The doc. instead had a good laugh and he explained to me that one small drink would not make any difference and it will certainly not bring the cancer back. Do have that glass of wine and cheers.
Love,
Ananth

Hello Gwyn

The odd glass of wine once in a while is not going to make the cancer more likely to come back. Do enjoy the odd glass of wine. Our John Spencer and many others do.

Best wishes
Vinod (odd mug!)

Hello Gwyn,
Nice to here from somebody in Leicester. I had my treatment at the LRI. I can't comment on the drink as I am teetotal.
Having a positive mental attitude always helps so the odd glass of wine should assist!
Me? - I had to take anti-depressants! Still do!
But things are pretty good. Copious exercise helps too.
Good luck - Tony k

I've had this lump on the lining of my bottom lip(favoring to the left side)for a couple years and its the same color as my lip its not painful and I've taken a razor blade and cut it off a few times but it just heals like its apart of my lip its sorta hard but not really i get scared trying to find out for my self what it is so i rather someone just tell me have you ever heard anything like this i'm 21 and a healthy athlete?

Hi Michel,just answered your PM

Hi
Just had my 1st half pint on Saturday tasted awfull but was nice in a way 1st drink for 10Month

Thanks everyone. Not had a drink yet but am going out on Thursday evening so may be tempted then!

Good Morning Vinod,
Thankyou for adding to my already tarnished reputation.
You say "the odd glass" I am tempted to ask about the one's in between, but I will save this question for another time.
Keep Smiling
John

Dear Dave and Sue,
It does happen when one has not had a drink in ages and one is still wary about having one. Do what I did - pour the wine in a pepsi bottle and just glug it down - it will be all ok!!!
Have fun and take care of yourselves. I know the job front is going great guns- do keep us updated.

Tons of love and hugs,
Ananth

Hi Gwyn, welcome. I stayed off the drink completely for about 4 years and then thought sod it. I didn't go through all that crap to live like a monk. I used to smoke and drink loads but I kicked smoking in (still gutted about that but such is) and I enjoy a drink or two,mostly vodka. Everything in moderation, as they say. Hagg.

Hi Gwyn,
I also have an odd glass of wine or four!! Ha ha, bad girl!! Infact the first taste I had was through a syringe to the back of my throat to avoid a hole in the side of my face.
(Sorry Mr Spencer) John is great on the wine, I think he is a closet wine buff!!! He also has a great sense of humour too, whether this is because of the wine or not I don't know.
xxxx John, long time no chat.
SusieR

Hi! Susie
Ananth tried the booze in the tube and hasn't been the same since, but direct to the back of the throat would at least remove the risk of leakage BUT does it affect the taste as I tried a Cruzer and apart from the fact that it was my first it didn't taste to good so being adventurist I tried a extra dry beer and that didn't even stay in my mouth long enough to fizz(it was fowl) anyway I am back to my old favourite "Brandy and Coke" but I have to get Deb to taste it to make sure I have put Brandy in it. .
Anyway I hope you can participate in Xmas this year and be able to enjoy it , we are having Xmas Brekky and there will be Champagne and OJ on the table as that I know I can consume.
Glad to see you back and good luck with the medico's.
Love TREV

Snap Trev,

I have had Champers and OJ every Christmas morning for about 25 years. It started when the kids used to wake up in the early hours of the morning to see if Santa had been. Well if you have to get up at three thirty/four am you may as well make it worth the while!!!!
Kids not at home anymore on Christmas morning but the Champers & OJ is.
Love Susie
XX