Tongue cancer

Hi Redbird61 and welcome.  You've made a great start in coming here for support.  No clinical diagnosis on here, but real practical support as you move through what will be tough but doable treatment.  There are lots of people at different stages and with different presentations of H&N cancer that will offer you advice and guidance.  There are also lots that will show you how a good quality of life is achieved post treatment.  We've got your back covered.

2 pieces of advice right now. 1) stay off Google and 2) ask every question you think of, no question is too silly to not be answered for you.

Welcome from me too. I had a base of tongue cancer too but escaped chemo. Some details in the blog at the bottom of this post 

Stay for support and explanation 

Its hard but doable … one day at a time 

Best wishes 

Hi Redbird 61 welcome to the club sorry you’ve found yourself here but we will try snd help you through it. It’s not that bleak if I can do it I was 61 when diagnosed niw 3 Years post treatment for tonsil cancer with several affected lymph nodes and happily living my life. Look at blig below for some info and links. 
Hazel x

Hi Peter,

thank you for your warm welcome and of course your advice too, it’s comforting to know that I’m most definitely not alone and that in itself is a great tonic, not as good as one with gin in it but good all the same, thank you again. Redbird61.

Hi Bee, 

thank you so much, firstly for your welcome and secondly the blog, not read it yet so I thank you in advance, I’m sure there is stuff in there I can learn/ absorb that will help me through, who knows in time once I have my own experience behind me we could do a joint blog…bird n bees, thanks again Beesuit.

Hi Raz,

love your name, looks like you have a great SoH, I’ve read your blogs and I have to say well done you, my God the energy you have is unbelievable, I have to admit I’m not the fittest of blokes but it’s something I need to remedy, you also scared the crap out of me with that picture, but to see you cheery and smiley is proof indeed that you really do come out the other side, right now I’m still in the surreal mindset and although I’m aware that there are real tough times ahead I truly don’t know what I’m in for, and to be honest that is proper scary, you are lucky to have your husband and your family around you and of course your many friends, I’m not so lucky, I have two Sisters one in Wisconsin the other in Auckland, that’s a bit of a walk isn’t it ? I also have a niece in Fort William with three kids so looks like I’m doing this alone, I do have a couple of pals who will support me but not like a family member would, anyhoo, get on with it as they say and take everyday as it comes, it is going to be proper rough but I have taken great encouragement knowing that you have made it through. 
Thank you for all of your invaluable tips and advice. Redbird61 

Hi Thank you for your kind words. For me positive mental attitude got me through it cancer wasn’t going to get me. On the other hand Dani is also right whrn she says miserable b…r s get through it as well. Best advise keep off dr google stick to us snd your team. 

Sorry for photo yes it’s a shocker. I thought no point in only showing the good ones. Your pals will be there for you snd sn sure you’re radiotherapy team will come through for you. 
Hazel

Hi Redbird!

I had the same as you - diagnosed in November last year and radiotherapy in Jan/Feb this year. I had a PEG fitted because some hospitals prefer you to have the option of having nutrition through it in case you need it. It takes a little time to recover from having it fitted, so they like to do it before treatment starts, while you are still feeling "OK". 

As it happened, I really did need it because I couldn't swallow at all, but everyone is different and you might eat all the way through treatment. It's a safety net which some of us need.

The waiting for tests, results, mask fitting, treatment, etc is the worst. I tried anti-depressants whilst waiting for results of biopsy, but they didn't help. 

You are far from being alone and there are plenty of people on here who have already gone through it all who will be able to give you advice and support.

All the best,

Susan