My Husband has had tongue cancer

Hi

I would like some help.  My husband has been given the all clear for tongue cancer. Was diagnosed in Feb this year, finished 30 rounds of radio, 6 rounds of chemo in April its been brutal.  Two infection, one really bad his infection rate was 176. He was told on Thursday 14th Nov by the consultant he will never be able to open his mouth properly, he was very angry with the news. 

That was the only thing he wished for to be able to eat properly and open his mouth.  The speech therapist has given him a therabit (think that's how you spell it).  He uses it twice a day his mouth has opened  slightly but not enough.

She has asked him to continue with this.  They are going to do a CT on the side of his mouth where the cancer was to see how it has effected the bone.  I am struggling with what to given him to eat.  He has soft foods soup, cake with lots of cream on, mince doesnt seem to like it with mash,   Does anyone have any ideas for me that will make him enjoy his food.  He is still on the the fortisips 6 a day been told since last week not to put them in the peg has to drink them orally which he is.  

He does'nt go out apart  walking the dog once a day, play golf once a week has to have a  buggy, therefore there is not contact with people.  He was a very social person but not now.  Is there anything I can do to encourage him.

Thank you

  • Hi snoopgus,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm sorry to hear of the situation with your husband - it sounds like quite a bit to manage for both him and you.

    Perhaps as things go on and as there are adjustments, he will gradually have more confidence and desire to do more things socially again. Setting small steps or small goals each day can be helpful, and these can be set according to what his interests are. Getting outside is often a good thing, so it's good to hear that he is doing the dog walking. Perhaps there could be others he could do dog walking with, either other friends or perhaps a new social meetup group.

    With regards to the food, if you haven't already it may be helpful to get some advice from his doctor. Our nurses are also available if you'd like to talk things through with someone about this. You can do this either by posting in the 'Ask the Nurses' section of this forum, or by calling freephone 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Hopefully things will also continue to improve with the help of the speech therapist and general recovery.

    We are always here for support and I hope that the forum can be helpful for you.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator