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I am a singer and I have just been diagnosed with tongue cancer

Jules222
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I've just been diagnosed with tounge cancer and I'm completely devastated, I'm a singer and if they have to remove part of all of my tongue it's unlikely I'll be singing again. I need to try chemotherapy and radiotherapy first rather than surgery but I don't know the results of the second biopsy yet not have I had any x - rays and scans! I would appreciate some advice?

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    Hi Jules, I can imagine just how distressing this must be for you, but try to take things one at a time. You are just starting out on this journey, and it is likely to be a marathon, not a sprint. You will need to conserve your energy, and focus on your well-being, try not to panic. Your oncologist will likely answer all your questions when you get the results of the second biopsy, and that is certainly when they will prescribe further tests (scans, etc). If there is reductive surgery, which is surely something they will discuss in detail with you, the doctors are bound to keep it to a minimum so as to encourage recovery. Please try to stay positive, and envisage a good outcome. I am a singer too, so I appreciate that this is your instrument. I wish you peace of mind. Sometimes it helps to write down all your questions or anxieties so you can discuss them with your healthcare providers. All the best ...

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    1. Hi. It's not the end of the world..just the start of a completely different one. I had a laryngectomy last year. My job involved talking to people and my hobby was music. I enjoyed preforming but I have lost all that now but I have found other interests...bur you are still in early days. I find a positive attitude helps...in public.  What we do in our own time is up to us. I had an old friend visit me today but no one knows what to say and I actually have forgotten most details about my treatment.  Family support is great..in moderation  but I am very independent and tend to push help away. Anyhow...as the music says..."It's a new dawn,a new day ,and I 'm  feeling........?" You fill in the last word!
  • Offline in reply to Ali672409

    Hi Jules,

    I thought of you today since there was an article on the BBC website for a brand new drug being used to treat tongue cancer that has shown very promising results. It's called Pembrolizumab, given before and after surgery to "prime the body's defences" (check out the BBC article). It also mentions a lady called Laura who had reconstructive surgery of her tongue using muscle taken from her left arm, which I think is totally amazing. So, I just wanted to share that with you, and wish you well. All the best ...

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