tongue cancer - radiotherapy for perineural invasion

I had stage 1 tongue cancer twice and lymph cancer followed by 6 weeks of RT. The problem I have with food is that I have no saliva and need a drink to wash food down which makes me feel sick. I’m fine with soup, custard or ice cream but it’s the chewy foods I struggle with. 

SueEssex said:

it’s the chewy foods I struggle with. 

A tip. Try a tiny sip of a warm drink to act as a proxy saliva while you chew. 

Thanks Dani, that’s where I go wrong as I usually have either milk or water which is awful as it makes the food cold! I’ll give a cup of tea a try with food later!

Sue x

I too was going to suggest using a warm drink instead of cold water or (ugh!) milk.  It worked for me.

Liz

Just so scared about what you read about the perineural invasion.

We were so happy when the margins and lymph nodes were clearance no we feel like we are going backwards.  We both have severe anxiety as we only have each other.  No family or children.  So scared  

dub said:

Just so scared about what you read about the perineural invasion

I would stop reading on Google. The best person to ask is your oncologist.

While PN! gives a worse prognosis if the cancer wasn't completely removed the margins were clear. There will be nerves running through that biopsy and clear margins means that there are no cancer cells at the edge of the surgical excision and that includes the nerves. So relax.

The presence of PNI is a strong indication for adjuvant therapy, such as radiation therapy to mop up any stray cells. It's a precaution