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Cdn_Army
Cdn_Army Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hello all! I've been an "outsider" reading your posts since I was diagnosed with Stage IV tongue cancer. I've had my surgery and going into my last week of radiation and chemo. I finally decided to join to thank you all for your posts. I felt I wasn't alone and decided to join because there might be other "outsiders" like me that just read and felt comforted.
My problem is I had radical neck dissection on the left side and lymph nodes removed and things got complicated so they had to go back in twice after. Because of that I have massive scar tissue build up and it seems to have weakened the left side of my throat so when I went for my "swallow" test I failed because my muscles weren't strong enough to swallow. Thank goodness I already had a PEG tube put in before my operation. So thank any and all that post about tube feeding recipes. I try my best to try them all and if I should find any I will post them for all to share. Thanks for the community this website offers.

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  • Army_Guy
    Army_Guy Member Posts: 53
    #2
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    Welcome...
    Hello fellow soldier!

    Welcome to the site...it's a great group, willing to share info and experience. I joined last week and wish I had joined sooner.

    I wish you luck in your recovery and hope it goes well. All of this takes a lot of work, a lot of patience, a lot of determination and a lot of support. Stay strong and know that people are here for you.

    Dave
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    #3
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    Welcome, Cdn_Army

    SoccerFreaks (another member) used to say something like "Welcome to the club - sorry you qualify for membership". I usually say "sorry you had a reason to be looking for support - glad you found the site" Either way, welcome.

    Sorry to hear you failed your swallow test. Are you working with a speech therapist, or doing exercises to build your muscles back up? I was stage IV base of tongue cancer, but did not have a neck dissection; I can swallow very well - considering. Here's hoping you start making strides in the swallowing department.
  • rozaroo
    rozaroo Member Posts: 665
    #4
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    Pam M said:

    Welcome, Cdn_Army

    SoccerFreaks (another member) used to say something like "Welcome to the club - sorry you qualify for membership". I usually say "sorry you had a reason to be looking for support - glad you found the site" Either way, welcome.

    Sorry to hear you failed your swallow test. Are you working with a speech therapist, or doing exercises to build your muscles back up? I was stage IV base of tongue cancer, but did not have a neck dissection; I can swallow very well - considering. Here's hoping you start making strides in the swallowing department.

    Cdn_ Army
    Wellcome! I am happy you have found us, I would have been lost if not for all of the wonderfull friend's on CSN. If you need any answer's or direction then this is the place to be.I do hope your swallowing improves & remember healing takes time. I have had a feeding tube for over eight month's & it will be removed this coming week & did not loose any weight at all. The tube sure served it's purpose & I am greatfull for having it. I wish you the very best of luck with your recovery.
  • Glenna M
    Glenna M Member Posts: 1,576
    #5
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    Hate welcoming new members
    I hate it everytime I have to welcome a new member because it breaks my heart whenever I see that someone else is having to go through this h*ll. But I welcome you with open arms and want you to know that I, and all the other great members, are always here for anyone who needs advice or a shoulder to lean on.

    I was referred to a speech therapist shortly after I started treatment and she gave me several exercises to do to help keep my throat and muscles working throughout treatment. If you haven't already seen a therapist you may want to ask one of your doctors to refer you. I did not have surgery (not an option for me) so my situation is not the same but I am sure they must have exercises that could help you.

    My best to you and everyone here,
    Glenna

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