Hi all,

So...I have been diagnosed with tongue cancer last Thursday. Everything is happening so fast and my operation is scheduled for this Friday. It all started in May with what I thought was a chipped tooth and one slightly sore tongue. It turns out it wasn't the tooth! I have a stage 2 cancer, the tumour is on the left side of my tongue, roughly 2cm long and 1 cm deep. They have explained the procedure: removal of the tumour, tongue reconstruction ( using the muscle/skin from my arm), creating free flap (transplanting the vein from my arm into my neck to ensure that the new part of my tongue has blood supply) and neck dissection ( lymph nodes removal).  It all just sounds so overwhelming and complicated. Yesterday I have had a meeting with my Macmillan nurse, Speech and Language Therapist and Dietician and feel much better now as they have answered all of my questions and trust me, there were loads.  It is also very reassuring that the hospital had made sure that I meet all the doctors and nurses that will be involved during the operation and with my aftercare. All the staff have been absolutely amazing! 

Now I have been told to fatten up and to eat as much as I can as before Friday. Easier said then done as my stomach is constantly tied in knots from my nerves. Also my tongue is still very sore from the biopsy. 

Sorry about such a long rumble! Has anyone experienced similar procedures? Any advice? I am very anxious about the fact that I will be fitted with the nose tube, what with swollen tongue, stitches on my neck, etc. I am worried about being able to breath freely, especially whilst coming out of the anaesthetic. I can see myself ending with a panic attack and not being able to breath.  

Any advice/tips very much appreciated