Recently diagnosed scc base of tongue 2x right lymph node’s

Hi Jobe

I was T1N1M0 with affected lymphnode and tonsil. HPV related. I was given a similar choice and opted for surgery first. I had TORS and neck dissection. 3 days in hospital and about a month recovery. 2 weeks after the surgery they were able to tell me that I didn’t need further treatment. I am now being monitored every 3 months. All fine 16 months later. So far so good. Happy to answer any Qs. 

HI Jobe and welcome.  Without rehashing everything have a look at my profile  - click on my name and then the profile.  Some similarities, but remember my cancer presentation is relatively unique.  

Hi Woodz, thanks for your reply and fantastic news! I think it’s just the unknown for me, what to expect after the surgery and the neck dissection worries me…

Hi Peter, I will have a look. Thank you

“Relatively unique”?

Hello Jobe. 

I had a similar diagnosis to you in 2013.  Base of tongue scc stage 2, left side lymph nodes affected.  TORS wasn't used much back then, I had a neck dissection.  It was a long operation and I woke up attached to tubes and machines, but they were slowly disconnected and I went home 4 days later when the last tube was removed.  

There were plenty of times when I felt overwhelmed.  My Consultant used to say just think about the next step ahead and concentrate on that.  That advice seemed to help a bit.

Best wishes for your surgery next week.  

Jobe1c6622c said:

Ive opted for the surgery route which I’ll have next week.

Have they told you what level of lymph nodes are involved in the dissection? 

Hi Dani,

no they haven’t 

I’ve had a positive scc biopsy on one right lymph node.

they are doing bilateral incase of possible spread

Hi Margaret,

thanks for your reply. So pleased everything worked for you, did you have radiotherapy after surgery? 
What was swallowing/ eating/drinking like? 

Hi Jobe.  Yes I had radiotherapy and chemo, two months after the surgery.  No problems at all eating etc after the neck dissection, I was sitting up in bed with tea and several slices of toast a few hours afterwards.  It's the radiotherapy that causes problems, I had a feeding tube and that gave me a good recovery.