(I posted this in the wrong place originally)
I wanted to say hello!
I'm going to try to not moan too much because I know how hard a lot of people suffer bot just physically but emotionally because they have cancer.I have watched it take away a large part of my family. A grandparent,2 aunties,my dad and finally my daughter.
So I shouldn't have been surprised when it came knocking on my door on the 21st Feb.
After many "errors" by my GP surgery.Iwent for a biopsy 3 weeks ago.The consultant had a look and told me he wasn't going to do a biopsy, there was no point. he already knew what it was and it would only delay what he would have to do anyway-remove a "small" amount of my tongue.it was going to leave a hole,not very big and he would not stitch it up.
This monday I went in for the op.It turned out he had to take more than he had anticipated,he had also taken what he described as "a healthy margin" so there are many stitches.It is/was under my tongue ,in the place where the tongue joins to the bottom of my mouth.
I'm unable to speak-just noises,can't eat solids, only 3/4 tea spoons of fortisip constantly or i choke. as my tongue is just a big lump in my mouth now. But I'm not in any pain as I have no feeling in it.
The ward was busy,people were chatty,friendly, up beat...now I'm home,a big empty house,just me,my thoughts and my little chihuahua.I have nobody except my mum who is 85 who visits 2/3 afternoons a week.
Now I await a staging scan.
Hello and welcome from a fellow cancer patient. Although I have not had a glossectomy (mine was abandoned before serious cutting) I can understand your struggles. I have had many operations for this cancer as well as chemoRT and can assure you that it does get better. It takes time and patience is a key trait in healing from treatment.
There will be others along to offer more practical advice on recovery from your surgery.
It is good to hear that there are healthy margins. Hopefully the pathology will confirm those margins and there will be no need for further treatment.
This group is always willing listen to issues and is not just a place for the cold clinical facts. I hope you stick around for as long as you need and get the support - practical and emotional - from us that you may wish for.
Hello and welcome. I had surgery approximately two years ago but not as radical as yours. As Peter has said the group will support you through your journey. Remember you have been through both a physical and emotional time and you need to take time to regroup. I do recall that eating was not pleasant after surgery as I felt my tongue was tied and I had a golf ball in my mouth but within 10 days I was eating 'sloppy' meals. Everyone progresses at different speeds so if you have any questions please reach out. Best wishes
Hi welcome from me to the club none of us wanted to join but here we are.
It’s early days for yih my cancer was tonsil and surgery wasn’t an option I had too much spread and lymph nodes. If your surgeon feels he has good margins that’s good you may not need radiotherapy.
you’ve found us so stick around there’s always someone around most if day and a few might be around at night.
Make sure you stay hydrated maybe try a straw for the drinks it might help. Am sure your mum and little dog will help. I’m make sure if you need to contact your cancer nurse if yih need help maybe a temporary feeding tube through your nose ?
hazel xx
Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz
My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now 6 years post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help
2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers
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