Hi gang. It is 1 year to the date that i had undergone surgery to remove cancer or my tongue and neck glands. At one stage i thought i was never going to have the surgery. They warned me that it would only go ahead if there was an intensive care bed. The night before there wasnt one so i thought i would have to wait. The next morning came and i was just about to start packing to go back home when they came up with my gown and stockings and i was so pleased that it was going ahead i nearly hit my head on the ceiling. I spent 5 days in ITU and 9 on the ward. In ITU i was awake and very very very frightened because i had a trachy in and a contraption on it keeping it wet. It was like someone having their forearm on your neck strangling you. I never slept on ITU and i was on the dreaded MORPHINE good for pain but not good for the brain as i was on a trip. Once i was on the ward i started to pick up and saw a light at the end of the tunnel. Down ITU i kept on thinking i was never going home. On discharge i was feeling weak but relieved my stay in hospital was over. I have had 20 zaps of radiotherapy in september and so far the surgeon and his team are very happy with me and tell me i have nothing to worry about for now. I feel something close to my old self although i know i will never be but im alive. If this upsets anybody i do apologise but im just telling you my little story about the past year.

YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

Hello Russ

It is a tough road you are on, so you have done well. Take each day at a time and savour it. It is not how long we live but how we live that counts. Take pleasure in every little thing you can and you will be delighted each day despite the tribulations.

Have a good weekend.

Best wishes
Vinod

Russ,


My dad has a large tumor on his tongue. We went last week to the doctor and he told us that he would to remove my dad's total tongue and his voice box. Therefore, he will not be able to eat real food andymore nor will he be able to talk again. We are going tomorrow evening back to Indy. My family is having a rough time with this and we are scared and uncertain to what lies ahead. I was wondering if you could give us any advice on what to expect in the days ahead. And on how to help him cope with this life changing ordeal. What things did you experience after your surgery? Did you have your total tongue removed? Do you still have your voice? How long after surgery were you able to get back to your everyday activities? What things did you find helped you get through each day? Did you want your family to visit? Or did you just want to rest? What things boosted your spirit? I hope that you can give us a little insight on what to expect. Thank you in advance for taking the time to talk with us. I was also wanting to know if your doctor gave you a percentage of survival and life expectancy. I know those things are personal so I will understand if you don't want to discuss that. Once again thanks for your time. And I wish you all the luck in the world.



Lori

Hi Lori. I was able to keep my spirit up just by keeping detirmined to beat it. Everybody is different but thats how i coped. Although i was angry sometimes so expect that especially if he has to have all his tongue removed. I only had half my tongue removed so im able to talk pretty much okay with practice from my speech therapist. The doctor said i had i very high percentage survival rate. I was able to get back to normal activities after about two and a half months and i was back at work after six months. I was on a soft diet for six weeks after surgery as my jaw had to be dislocated for the surgery. I welcomed my family to visit me as that made me more detirmined to beat cancer and to see my family more. Expect him to be very frustrated when he cant talk and that will lead to anger that he cant communicate with you. I know it sounds hard to do but try and stay possitive and be patient with him as there will be changes for him and your family to deal with. What has been discussed with you about the surgery and survival rate?

Always in my thoughts and prayers.

Hi,

This is my first day to join this chat group. My name is Peggy. My dad was diagnosed with tongue cancer May 3, 2004 (his birthday). My parents live in Indonesia. They went to Singapore for his surgery (removed part of his tongue out) and radiotherapy treatment. The doctor said that they had found another one in the back of his tongue. I want them to come to the US for better medical attention. Do you have any information how I can get insurance for my dad here in the US? I am very lost about what to do....Thank yo so very much...

Hi Prggy, Sorry to hear about your Dad, My experience living in London is that even to Travel to the USA I could not afford the amount of money they want for cover while I am away.It is cheaper for me just to pay for a flight home of anything goes wrong.

I cant see any insurance company in the USA giving you cover if they know of his precondition.

Paul

Thank you Paul,

My father just passed away 17 hours ago. As a Christian, I say that it's the most joyous day in his life to come into the presence of his LORD. As a daughter, my heart is aching and sorrowful because I know there is no more: good night daddy, i love you.
Thank you for your reply. I appreciate it.

Russ,

I really appreciate the information. Dad had his PET Scan yesterday. Thank the Lord it was clear. So, the next step is the surgery. It is schedule for July 27th. He has not a very good day today. I think the pain is just so overhelming. We just continue to encourage him. I just hate to see him suffer like that.
I'm so glad that you are doing well. I wish the best. Do you have any advice on how to take his mind off the pain?


Lori

Peggy,


Sorry to hear about your dad. My dad is going through a similar situation as far as the mouth cancer. We go the 27th of this month to have his total tongue removed and I know how helpless and frustrated you felt. I just pray for you and your family. Just remember all the wonderful memories you made with him and cherish them forever. May God bless you and your family.


Lori

Hi gang. I have been a busy little bee lately so havent been able to talk to you on here. Been getting married to a lovely lady on 3rd September and it was very emotional indeed. On the 30th September a friend of mine had organised a charity concert which featured 3 local groups including his own band on my behalf and it was a good night and an emotional night as he unexpectedly made a speech which made me and my wife cry. He raised just over £300. Hope everything is ok with everyone.

Hiya Russ.
Sounds like lifes great. Many many congratulations, I hope you and your new wife will be very happy together. Lots of love. Michelle. x

Many congrats Russ, it's good to here some good news. Where's the pictures??
Wishing you both health and happiness,
regards
Sue

Great news Russ - every happiness to you both. luv Brenda x

Hi Russ, hope you will be happy for ever and ever, best wishes to you both. Garance

Hi Russ again, I am very Happy the Big Bear is giving out healing hugs to all who come on this site.