Hi I had more or less the same op last Tuesday, I've just got back from hospital,wow we done it. Although I'm not in any pain I find talking and being understood very difficult,also think my saliva glands have gone berserk and find myself forcing swallowing so I can speak better.  Have you finished all your surgery now,they've Tod me I need some radiotherapy sessions just to make sure they have got everything.

My husband is having this operation in a few weeks and is so worried/anxious, is there anyone that has had base of the tongue cancer and had a partial glossectomy, reconstruction and neck dissection that I can chat to for advice. The thanks

Hey,

I went through this in 2016 and come out the other side.  I'm happy to offer any advice I can.  There are quite a few discussions on here on similar subjects too.

Ruth

Hi I had a partial glossectomy in 2017 at a London hosp. Straight after my tongue where it was done was extremely painful and very dry. It has stayed that way all along. I was told it was probably nerve damage, my tongue is still numb, it's all lumpy where the surgeon gouged it out and it was in the clamp. Now after all the years the lumpy part and the lining to my tongue has gone rough and burns. I also have a geographic tongue, always have had. The consultant didn't like me saying it was nerve damage, he left after 3 months then another consultant confirmed it was nerve damage but we went into lockdown. It's 5 years ago but at beginning of pandemic I got a lump feeling in my throat. My local hospital have done lots of scans and tests cos the lump sensation is still there but the can't find anything wrong. To me this is a dreadful operation as I have not had a good outcome so now I have to try and get along with it. I am 72. My saliva is now like glue most of the time. I use dry mouth meds ice etc., Eating is a nightmare

Hi 

I had partial glossectomy with neck dissection on 14 th march 2022. I can home after  12 days in hospital. I have been so lucky just found out this week don't need any further treatment.

Can I ask how long it took for tracky hole and skin graft to heal?

Also how long till eating normal food, I'm on pureed food at the moment?

Hi !

congratulations on your successful op. I went through the same on 16th June 2021 . A positive outlook is the best medicine . I used soft foods for 2 weeks post op and returning home , and have slowly tried other food .There ARE limitations , however we are alive !

My scars (skin graft etc ) are healing really well - took about 6 months before they felt less uncomfortable and me able to

look and touch them .

you are not alone . I'm now10 months post surgery and doing fine .

keep strong 

Amanda 

Hi 

Thanks for your reply. My skin graft like you I can't really look at at the moment.

Can I ask what type of food you can eat and what you can't.

I'm hoping that once tracky hole heals it will be easier no pressing the button for talking eating and drinking

Amanda

I promise you that you will adapt and it will get easier . 
i find things like rice hard to eat as it gets trapped in my skin flap under tongue . 
i eat a lot slower due to lack of sensation on the one side of my mouth , and can't talk whilst eating which isn't a bad thing !

keep strong and positive , it's a bit rubbish to start with , but we are lucky on have survived a cancer that has been removed by surgery alone 

Sorry , forgot to add that I eat most things , but find soup/custard easier . I add flavours to make them more intersting .

my taste buds have changed significantly