Hi Everyone,

Thanks for your messages.

It is comfort to know I have somewhere to turn if there are more developments.

I still cannot believe it, I have not taken much care in terms of my health and assumed I was young and did not have to worry until I reached 30, now I will looking to start a much better diet. It might not of been the cause but it can't be a bad thing.

One day they will find the cause and I suspect it will be quite a simple one.

My nan chain smoked from the age of 14 all the way to 75. Its really weird how some people can do all sorts and not get it, and others seemingly do nothing bad and do get it. I guess we will have to wait until the cause shows itself. Which it will.

I will keep you all updated, its nice to be able to chat to you all as I cant talk about it with people I know.

Thank-you

Roz,a young guy of 25 was getting treated when I was - he was a smoker but shouldn't have smoked rough to cause it. I used to smoke but was hpv positive. Just concentrate on getting treated and recovering.

regards, Gary

Hi all,

Good news, it has not spread to the lungs etc. They were right when they said it was very unlikely that it had.

So they will have to cut out just under half of the left side of my tongue, and will somehow fold it over so it does not look much different. I don't quite understand how, but my mind goes blank when I am talking about it with them, I will have to take a pen and paper with me next time as they suggested and write down all these questions beforehand.

The person doing the work seems very confident and does seem to know what he is talking about. They seem like a very robust team. I am very happy that they are doing the work.

They are also going to test my lymph nodes with dye and test one, rather than taking them all out. They are confident none of the cancer has broke away and gone somewhere else as its still early stage. I will not need any other treatments.

I consider myself very lucky, I know I will have some trouble once my tongue has been cut but I am aiming to make a quick recovery. I know it could of been so much worse.

Hi Irene and Jo,

Jo, I only realised that Lina Bellinghmam had passed away when I read your post earlier about it and how it had bought you down.

I have to say it rather shocked me. I hadn't seen the news for a day or so , but remember thinking it was only the other day she was planning to stop chemo in November and enjoy her last Christmas with her family. Shocking really. I am sure it has resonated with you and so not really surprised you have been reflecting.So lot of friend hugs.xx

Irene, I have been there too. When you find out old friends and neighbours have died from cancer and it is always a shock at first. Especially if as in my case with one friend I didn't even know she had become ill. She was younger than me and I had moved away from the area so hadn't got the news. Eventually heard it from my daughter as she was still friends with her son.

Why do we believe we should know about these things??  I am glad the book I suggested to you had helped your friend as well.

Many hugs to all you lovely virtual friends out there.

Annabel. xx

Hi Roz dog,

Just wanted to say welcome, you've come to the right place for great friends and helpful support.

Glad to hear the positive news that it isn't in the lungs.

Take all the guidance from the guys and girls on this thread who have the experience .

Wishing you all the best in your journey with this disease.

Hugs

Annabel. xx

Hi Roz,

Writing down questions is a good plan - I used to go armed with a list of things that I wanted answers to. It is also a good idea to consider taking a relative, partner or close friend. Sometimes they will remember to ask things that you forget and they can also remember what you were told but forgotten in the heat of the moment. I used to sometimes take my wife and she usually came away more clued up than I did.

Don't be afraid to ask questions on here - loads of us have been through similar experiences and people are keen to give support if they can.

Welcome to this exclusive club!

Simon.

Hiya Roz

So glad to hear that your cancer has not spread but sorry that you are having to undergo reconstructive surgery to your tongue. As you know, Nicola has gone through this and is doing just fine now.  I'm sure she will be a huge support to you (as we will all try to be) becayse she has first-hand experience of a similar procedure.

I remember when I was having my treatment that I got so angry and upset to see youngsters like yourself going through this.  It's not pleasant at any stage of life but just seems all the more unfair that when you are young and should be enjoying life to the max, to have to cope with this bombshell.  However you will get through it and before you know it, this will all be a distant memory.

Keep your chin up mate and do keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.  As I think I said before, it's a brilliant place to ask questions, get helpful tips and have a moan if things are getting you down.

We'll be with you all the way!

Love Irene x

Hi Annabel

Lovely to hear back from you and thanks for sharing your similar experiences.  Have also been really sad about Lynda Bellingham - what a gutsy and inspiring lady though! 

Much love to everybody.

Irene x

Cheers Jo, will be raising a glass to all my chatroom pals this Christmas and New Year for sure!  I remember bringing in the 2014 New Year on an Activia prune yoghurt

Hi Irene,

You've reminded me - I remember so much wanting to enjoy Christmas dinner last yeat but I struggled to get even a roast potato soaked in gravy down. I managed a small school dinner-sized portion but it was hard work and I had to leave half of it. You've made me look forward to this year where things should be much better! Bring it on!

Simon XX