I have been recently diagnosed with tongue cancer and had surgery. Part of my tongue removed and replaced with radial flap and had neck dissection also all lymph nodes were clear. Post surgery okay, recovering. But horrified about radiotherapy as heard all post radiation side effects. I was very unlucky, never smoked, no alcohol, healthy and young. Still happened. Anyone else had less side effects from radiation or is it pretty much same
Hi. I had six weeks. By mid week three I couldn’t swallow and was tube fed via a nasogastric tube for 8 weeks. It is a real challenge but the side effects can be mitigated. Proper pain relief is key.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
I’ve noticed some people have longer treatments than others and some have chemo.
That is dependent on the stage and histological characteristics of the cancer.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
HI Atheena,
I had similar to you, a T4aN0M0 salivary gland cancer recurrence, with no casusal explaination! They removed a section of my upper palate and resectioned with a radial flap and the neck dissection. I hadn't really expected radiotherapy, but they thought I should. It's not fun, it is true. But you do get out the other side. I finished 6 weeks on 13th December, and still have an NG tube, although I can now eat a bit, drink, and get out and meet people and do stuff. So what I am saying is that although yes it is grim, it does pass and you will cope. One thing I will say, is when you need a feeding tube, get one. You will feel a million times better of you have some nutrition in you, both physically and mentally. I am still waiting to see what and of side effects I am going to be left with, so Ican't really commdent on that.
Best of luck with it all
R 
