I have just joined this site as I was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue on 3rd July 2006 and the cancer was removed and also lymphs glands on 17th July 2006. I have been told that fortunately no reconstructive surgery was needed. Before this I have not had any illnesses, operations, broke any bones or in fact did not take any medication for any ailment whatsoever, I do not even suffer from such things as headaches. The only problem I had was alcoholism (possibly cause of this) but I have been in recovery from this for over 5 years. I still smoked and I must admit that although I am now using patches, I am still smoking 3 a day as my excuse so far is that it is the only coping mechanism I feel I can call on because I do not know what has hit me. I can only describe the feelings, emotions and physical pain as a 'learning curve in horror'. I was told that the surgeon thinks he has got all the cancer in my mouth and have to go back to a clinic in approximately 1 week. I know it is early days and I am probably expecting too much but I honestly do not know to expect.

Any advice other than that received from the medical professsion of 'there, there never mind, you have had a serious operation you know' will be gratefully received.

Hello Stella

Welcome. It is always terrible to be told that you have cancer because it sounds like a death sentence being passed but you will discover here that people do survive and carry on living. So do read the stories on the main website; Maurice rediscovered his life!

It looks like your tongue cancer was discovered early enough. Not having reconstruction or radiotherapy will make it easier for you to get back to normality (of a sort). So do try to wean yourself of the smoking and alcohol as it will reduce your chances of a recurrence, as and when you can. We will encourage and support you.

Best wishes
Vinod

Stella Ann sorry to hear what you have been through and might have to go through. I hate hand holding and there there now dear crap. My surgeon was brutally honest with me which I am eternally grateful. He told me if I decided to go through with the surgery and fight this cancer it would be pure hell. How right he was. They took tissue and bone from my leg and arm to replace my jaw. My tongue is gone and they gave me what is called a flap to help with eating in the future. Trying to talk is very frustrating but I keep plugging along. I still have a feeding tube because my neck and throat are swollen from the surgery and radiation treatments. I also smoked for 30 years and did my share of drinking. I quit both cold turkey the day they told me I had mouth cancer. I know everyone can't just quit like that but that is how I am. I make up my mind and that's it. I refuse to beat myself up for smoking and drinking. If that caused my or yours or anyones mouth cancer does it really matter?? I believe heredity plays a big part in getting diseases. I can't say you or I will be ok. Don't know the future. Just hang tough. Make your Drs. tell you the truth. Come to this website often. These people are great. They got me through my radiation treatments and will probably get me through alot more in the future. Good luck. annabel lee

keep fighting and stay positive Stella, keep us updated for next week's visit.

Best Wishes

Darren

Stella Ann,

I'm Melanie, wife of a tongue cancer survivor (diagnosed 11/04). Welcome to this site!

If you've been told radiation (and/or chemo) is not necessary, that's a blessing. May I ask in what stage your tongue cancer was diagnosed? (My Dan's was stage 4, most advanced.) Also, was your tumor on the visible part of the tongue, or way back at the tongue base?

It seems the emotional aftermath of cancer is a battle all to itself. Now that my Dan is in remission, we both still suffer the "shell shock" of it all. There will always be a deep-seated fear in my soul about the cancer returning. I actually seem struggle with it more than he does. When you write "What happened to me!"... I totally understand. Cancer turns your life upside down... and sometimes it's not until after going all the way through treatment that the reality and magnitude of what happened actually sets in. This can be a time when antidepressants may be beneficial. If you feel overwhelmed by what has happened, consider talking with your doctor about prescribing an antidepressant. It helped my Dan through the recovery process.

I hope and pray you'll summons and maintain the strength to give up the smokes for good. Just do your very best. Come to this website and talk to us when you are struggling... or when it's going well. The support here is powerful. I wish you the very BEST!

From my heart,

Melanie

Hang in there Stella. You may still need Radiotherapy to make sure your Cancer is entirely eradicated, but fingers crossed you will be told you are clear of it. If you do need Rad treatment then loads of us on here have been through it and can give advice on help on any probs you might have with it.
Good luck Stella and keep us posted.