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22 years old, diagnosed with oral cancer

flexiblestraws
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So yesterday I got the call confirming the biopsy they took of my tongue showed invasive cancer. I have had dysplastic changes there earlier and had a surgery a couple years ago to get it removed, but it reoccured and this time it has evolved to cancer.

I was prepared for it being the worst, and now I'm just a little bit lost as to what's going to happen next. How much loss of quality of life should I prepare for? Will I be able to keep myself busy after surgery or is it going to be hard on my body? I'm having a partial glossectomy, neck dissection followed most likely by radiation. They're not sure how bad it is yet, so I could be in for more.

I'm sad by the fact that my life has to stop for a little while because of this huge battle up ahead, but there's no point in fretting about it. Would love to hear some insight from people who have gone through this, and what I'm in for. Thank you.

Dee

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    I don’t have any insight and/or experience about your diagnosis, but came across your post and felt bad that no one has responded yet. I’m sorry you’re going through this. I’ve had a moderately dysplastic lesion on my tongue for 2 years. Randomly about 95% of it cleared up by itself and I was feeling fantastic about it. However, the small amount that’s left, started flaking off. The doctor is unsure if it’s dead skin that I keep bothering or if it’s changed. He of course took a biopsy this past Tuesday and I’ve been going absolutely crazy thinking about what it could possibly be. I’m sure this doesn’t help you at all, but I know the unknown of what’s in store is probably frightening. I love your attitude though saying there’s no point of fretting. I imagine a positive attitude is always helpful.
  • Offline in reply to Tnschry

    Thank you so much for your reply, although I'm sad to hear that you're going through the dysplasia. It is *really* good news that the lesion healed on its own, because mine didn't (and I had moderate dysplasia as well at first, before it was surgically removed years ago). If that makes you feel maybe a little bit better about the wait, though I know nothing soothes it completely until the results are in.

    As for the attitude, I think it's important to remember (and it's not easy, I make it a point to remind myself) that it could always be worse. Yes that means things could always be better too, but it could always be worse. My advice though? Don't google. I googled so much while waiting for my doc's appointment, and when I found out it was cancer I started googling a bunch as well - don't do it. I've forced myself to stop. I have browsed this forum and come across so many old threads with such unique cases that just blew the statistics out of the water that I'm in awe of these people! Every case is different, for better or worse.

    I'll be keeping my finger's crossed for you and hope that it's nothing bad! In the meantime hang in there and keep yourself distracted. 

  • Offline in reply to flexiblestraws

    Thanks. It makes me feel a drop better. I’m not sure at all what made so much of it heal, I suspect it’s the black raspberry extract I’ve been using, but not sure why it hasn’t helped with what’s left. Google is definitely not at all any help, you’re right about that. I admire your attitude, and you are 100% correct that things could be worse!

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    Hi I'm so sorry to hear your news but may I ask how your symptoms started as I've had the feeling of something being stuck in my throat for a week now, and I've also now started to get ear pain and a sore throat but Ive seen 2 doctors who have said they aren't worried about my symptoms 

    Many thanks

  • Offline in reply to anisha1996

    Hi, did you find anything out about this? As I've been suffering with sore ears first then a sore throat then I had a few days peace but now I can't get this tickle feeling away from my throat.

    Had like a sort of dry cough, through it, and I feel a bit nauseous today.

    its been about 1.5 months now, drs just keep saying give it two more weeks

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