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Hemiglossectomy on Monday

Zig1980
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Hello

I got my diagnosis this week and have T4 tongue cancer on the right side of my tongue. I am a lucky sod as the cancer has not spread and the consultant reckons he can get it all out with some surgery and still leave me with a decent enough portion of my tongue to rebuild with skin flap.The cancer is localised and has not crossed teh boarder to the left side.

I will be getting the lymph nodes taken on the right side as as well a precaution so will be getting a neck dissection but no chemo or radio planned unless they find some stray cells in the lymph nodes.

I am fine with all surgery stuff and I'm not bothered about pain or scars but I am concerned about speech - I am worried that I will have a permanent speech impediment. I know that some speech loss is expected but I'm really having difficulty with thinking people wont be able to understand me when I talk.

Its hard to deal with and I only had 5 days between diagnosis and surgery to wrap my head around it all. I mean I know its actually a blessing that the surgey has been done so quick but I did have a bit of wobble last night with it all as its a lot to take in!

Are there any other forum users who have had the hemi done? Any encouraging stories out there on the speech side of things?

  • Hey Zig1980, 

    I noticed you're having your hemiglossectomy tomorrow so I just wanted to wish you all the best and let you know we're thinking of you.

    Hopefully some of our members who have had this surgery will get back to you soon, but if you would like to talk things through with someone whilst you wait, don't hesitate getting in touch with one of our cancer nurses on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m or by making a new post in their section of the forum.

    I hope this information we have on coping with changes to your speech will prove useful as well.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi Zig1980, just to say great news that the cancer hasn't spread and best of luck with the op! 

  • Offline in reply to Case4

    Thanks 

    Fingers crossed it all goes to plan!

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Hey zig 

    So sorry to hear you been diagnosed with tongue cancer and I hope the surgery goes well. 

    My husband had a partial glossectomy,  reconstruction free flap and  lymph nodes removed and in Dec.

    He was in hospital for 2 weeks and was told he would have speech and eating complications and and would be off work for a minimum of 4 months. 

    I'm unsure if he was just really lucky but he is speaking amazingly albeit with a slight lisp, eating everything, just a bit slower than normal and returned to work after 7 weeks. 

    He is suffering with pain in his arm/shoulder due to the surgery but all thing considered he is doing amazing. 
     

    it's amazing what the surgeons can do, good luck 

  • Offline

    Hi, I had similar treatment with 4 week radio. That was 12 years ago, which I hope is encouraging for you. My speech is ok, albeit with a slight lisp and inability to roll my Rs. I still have slightly gooey saliva which can cause a little difficulty with some foods but generally easily coped with with a sip a water. Best wishes.

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