Scared Wife - Tonsil and tongue

 

My husband received the results from his CT scan from the oral surgeon yesterday showing a 3-5cm tumor in his right tonsil and part of the tongue. He is 41 years old. He had difficulty opening his mouth which we attributed to TMJ. Turns out the tumor was growing into the muscle causing his jaw not to work properly. Needless to say I am devasted. We do not know the stage at this point but oral surgeon said surgery and radiation for sure. We are waiting for the ENT to call and schedule an appointment. We have three beautiful children ages 3, 5 and 8 who love their daddy - I am scared to death. Any words of encouragement are welcome.

 

Comments

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    welcome

    mommyofthree74,

    Welcome to the H&N forum, I am very sorry that you find yourself here.

    Your husband’s symptoms describe many H&N members who have been treated successfully.  Your doctors will formulate a plan to have a most positive outcome.  You may or may not entertain getting a second opinion.  We each strive to seek out the best.

    Your head will spin until you know more and this all sinks in.  Don’t worry about the past and look forward to a good treatment plan with many years ahead for both of you.

    Matt

  • soonermom
    soonermom Member Posts: 155
    UGH

    I am sorry you are facing this.  You are getting ready to get a lot of information.  Think about what would work for you to manage it.  That's part of the head spinning civilmatt mentioned.  At least it was for us.  

  • johnsonbl
    johnsonbl Member Posts: 266 Member
    Unfortunately, this is more and more common...

    But don't get ahead of yourself (we all know it's impossible not to jump to the worst case scenario).  6 months ago (age 41) I was hit with my diagnosis and couldn't help but worry about what my 11, 8 and 4 year olds would do without me.

    6 months later, I've had surgeries and radiation and am on the mend and am expecting to die of ripe old age.

    The ENT will biopsy it and then you'll know exactly what you're dealing with.  Happy to answer any questions or offer advice.


    Brandon 

  • Tilly26
    Tilly26 Member Posts: 30
    Thinking of you

    you are not alone! I just found this site and I have the same worries and fears as you. my husband just finished his radiation treatments last month and as bad as he looked on his last day of radiation, our boys, 3 and 5, never blinked an eye at his changes. It has been a long road, but his scars and burns healed wonderfully. Just working on gaining weight. He opted to never get a PEG and he's lost a lot of weight. His first PEt scan is in Aug and I'm just a bundle of nerves for it. Our lives changed so quickly bc of this:( take care and know you are not alone!