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| Date Entered at Shared Experience: 05/27/2004 |
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MOUTH |
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In June 2002 I noticed a lump right at the back of my tongue which wasn't sore, but looked as if it should be. I visited my GP immediately who made an urgent appointment with an oral surgeon for the next day. After a brief examination I was sent to see a maxillo facial specialist who performed a detailed examination and scheduled a biopsy which was taken within forty eight hours. The results took eleven days to return and showed I had an advanced squamous cell cancer of the tongue. Since I have never smoked or been an excessive drinker the cause was put down to bad luck. The good news was that the tumour was judged to be treatable.
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Chemotherapy is not very effective for this tumour location and was not prescribed. |
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Owing to the location of the tumour at the base of the tongue, treatment options were, removal of tongue and voicebox, or radical radiotherapy. I opted for radiotherapy which involved six weeks of planning and preparation, and three weeks of intense therapy. The treatment was simple, but the side effects were grim. I had a PEG tube inserted for nourishment and kept this for eight months. It was an absolute life saver. After twelve weeks I had MRI and PET scans to assess the results. To my immense relief they indicated no trace of the tumour or any other abnormal cell activity.
As an insurance against recurrance I opted for a neck disection procedure. This complex surgery proved much more traumatic than I had anticipated and has involved a long recovery period. I have a post treatment check up every three months. |
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It is almost two years since I first noticed my tumour, and I am now nearly up to the best recovery level I can expect after such a severe trauma. The long term effects are a nuisance but manageable. I have no appetite, little saliva, and a restricted sense of taste. Mentally, it has been a long haul climbing out of the prison of post treatment depression. Thank God for my family and friends, all of whom have been brilliant. |
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I was fortunate enough to be diagnosed and treated quickly by people in whom I had complete faith. Their positive attitude and empathy were all I felt necessary to carry me through my difficult journey. All the information I have gathered after treatment has been to help with my recovery. Most of this has been from the internet. |
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All conventional cancer treatment is brutal and requires inner strength for success. A positive attitude and family support are vital components for endurance and recovery. Just remember, thousands survive this wicked disease and remarkable progress is being made in types of treatment every year.
I worked through my depression by creating a website which you may find useful. www.btinternet.com/~cliff_forsyth |
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