Re; Feeding tubes

Hi all

I have recently been diagnosed with tongue cancer in September.

Due to having a fungal lung infection {Aspergillosis} during the first lock down a couple of years ago. i was supposed to be in hospital for about three days, but ended up in for about 5 wks because my left lung leaked like a sieve and collapsed twice, resulting in them taking back to surgery to have it stuck to my chest wall. This resulted in my loosing weight.

I have always had a hard job putting on weight anyway. I am under a dietician who is advising me on trying to maintain and put weight on, Which is awkward as i am practically on a liquid diet already. I am making all types of home made stews and liquidising them, along with having things like rice pudding, yoghurts, fortified milkshakes and the like.

My question is .. will i end up with a feeding tube after my operation { if i am fit enough to have the op }  because of my weight loss. Or is that standard anyway after having a section of tongue removed and a graft... which i can imagine will make it tough to eat.

I am not worried about having one, it's just playing on my mind as to whether i will end up with one or not. I am waiting for one last result to come back, then i will be getting my 'plan of action' i'm sure i will be told then, but i would like to be forewarned !!

I know it's a bit of a tough ask as everyone's situation etc is different.