Tongue cancer - mine

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Glad you are settling in now. Get well soon!

I'm glad to hear your operation went well =) Yeah when they put you under, the next thing you know you wake up hours later and you feel like there was no passage of time whatsoever, no dreams at all.

Summary of recent health woes:
Last February I had a mild stroke which left some weakness in my left (dominant) arm and leg but thankfully did not cause cognitive impairment. Last summer I developed tongue cancer. On Sept 1 I had a 10 hour surgery in which half of my tongue was replaced by skin from my arm. On October 31 I had further surgery to reduce the swelling which was not happening as fast as expected. I have been in a rehabilitation facility since. Physical and Occupational therapy went well but trying to relearn to eat has been very slow and I am still non verbal


Current Situation:
The cancer has returned. The biopsy tested positive Wednesday and surgery is scheduled for Tuesday. The tongue flap put in, in September will be replaced and whatever cancer is in the surrounding area hopefully removed. So now I am going back to square 1. Since things are moving fast the ENT has not had time to go into detail. He does think he will be able to get it all this time. Unlike the last time radiation treatment will follow. I am expected to be in the hospital 10 days

Official Diagnosis:
Malignant Neoplasm of Tongue, Unspecified , Malignant Neoplasm (Primary), Unspecified

Personal Feelings, fears etc:
Besides the usual worries about major surgery and going under general anesthesia yet again, the fact that the surgery was rushed worries me as does the 10 day stay. A 10 day hospital stay in this era of throwing patients out of the hospital as fast as possible is very long. I also wonder about the decision not to have radiation after the first time

The worst part is starting over after so much time and effort to get back as far as I did. Aspie-Autistics are supposed to crave the familiar. But when the familiar is all wired up and stuck in bed and constant suctioning I dread it.


NT Rant:
Most of them say something along the lines "I know this is not the news you want but you will get better". I have not given up and I know I MIGHT get better. I guess these words make a lot of NT's feel more optimistic but to me it feels condescending even though it is not meant that way. This is cancer, it metastasizes. The fact that it came back or never disappeared is not a good thing.

Final Remarks:
I will be posting on WP prior to surgery but will probably disappear for awhile. Maybe a couple of weeks or so.

I'm sorry the cancer has returned. Good luck on your new recovery. You seem to be sensible about this, which is good.

I'm so sorry ASPartOfMe =/ I really hope the surgery goes well for you and you recover. You sound like a strong person determined to overcome this challenge cancer has brought upon your life. Best of luck ((hugs))

I am certain you will beat it again, and finally. You are too strong and committed to lose this second battle. You are the kind of patient who knows the playing field, and looks for ways to win.

Oh, dear, ASPartOfMe, I'm so sorry you're having to go-through this, yet again. Some people have bad days, you've had a bad YEAR!!

You seem to have a realistic outlook----my thoughts are with you.....

I'm so sorry to hear this.

I don't know what to say ASPartOfMe, you are in my thoughts.

If the future seems overwhelming, remember that it comes one moment at a time. - Beth Mende Conny

Thank you for all your good wishes

I am very sorry to hear of your current situation, and the further disruption that it will cause/is causing you. One day at a time is perhaps the most useful way of navigating it. May your journey have the best ending and I hope that will not be delayed. All the best for the immediate challenges, APOM

I was sorry to hear this news. Best wishes for a good outcome; I hope you find your time in hospital goes swiftly.

My best wishes to you for a positive outcome. Stay strong!

Stay strong and with us, aspartofme! Best wishes!!

I just read your message. My heart just breaks.

I don't know why the world has to be so cruel.

Sending hugs, and good thoughts all the way from Michigan.

I am so sorry to read this.

I wish you the most comfortable, rapid and favorable possible outcome. I wish you well.
It is distressing to think of you afflicted by this.