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Tongue cancer: How long is the process from treatment to recovery?
I have been diagnosed with tongue cancer. Lesions about 1 1/2' long and 1/2' deep under the left side of my tongue. I still teach for a living. How long is the shortest recovery that anyone has had?
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Hi, I am. New here. Was diagnosed in August of 2025 with tounge cancer. I had surgery on October 2025, I had a partial glostomy removing 40% of tounge. Had a free flap replacement with my forearm,and thigh. Did 35 rounds of radiation, They also did a neck resection and found 2 lymnods with cancer, they removed all with good margins . Oncology said I did not need Chemo due to the tumors being contained,and not looking to spread. I also had a feed tube placed best decision I made.Lost 65 pounds during all this,and still have feeding tube. Also had to have 9 teeth removed before radiation so I was unable to chew food, just recently received my partial dentures, having trouble getting used to them. August 20 of this year I had a second surgery to debunk my tounge flap,making it smaller so it will be easier to chew,eat. I have taste greatfull for that,but took almost a year to get back,very dry mouth,on saliva medication, to soon to tell if it's working. Have had Two scans both looking good so far.next one is in November, doctors said if I can get past the first year without reoccurring mychances improve 80% of none recurring. Now. biggest challenge is gaining weight, can't have feed tube removed until I put on 20 pounds. Pretty much still feeding threw tube Kate Farms ,worked best for me. I hope I can give some hope and encouragement to those going through this unfortunate situation. Thanks Blrssingg.Tracey Wood
Honestly, I think it depends on what kind d of treatment you received. Surgery, Chemo,Radiation, If you need glostomy of tounge, I had all except Chemo. In October it will be a year for me. I am starting to feel better. It's been a slow progress for me due to other health issues. Make sure you keep your weight up very important for r over.
@earlenhaven my pain was beyond painfull with tounge cancer,was on heavy pain meds for 2 months until Surgery. I was also concerned about added pain after.My doctor told me the pain from surgery will be a relief. She was right!!!! Nothing like before. Didn't need pain meds just Tylenol.
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1 ReactionHas anyone had pencil scanning form of radiation for tongue and floor of
mouth? Side effects? How many and how long are sessions?
Earlen
@tracey8 Wow, you really have been through the mill!
I have had a similar experience, except I still have all my teeth and somehow avoided most of the pain.
As soon as I could after I got out of hospital and was mobile enough, I got an appointment with my acupuncturist and homeopath. The two together have me back on my feet with saliva more than half way back to normal.
I have just passed the two year mark after radiation and feeling I have more energy. However, I still drink two tetra packs of Ensure to supplement my diet. My mouth is finally healing up so I can eat more normally.
There is a life after all of the above. Keep on keeping on!
Thank you so much
Did you have Chemo? Also is your mouth super sensitive to spice,salt,sugar?
Also do get sores in your mouth? My Oncologist said its due to Radiation.
@tracey8
No chemo, it was determined that chemo would only give me a 4% better outcome.
No spices, no pepper yet. Salt and some sugar only to make food more palatable.
Mouth takes forever to fully heal and everyone's mouth is different as is the surgery and after treatments.
Best wishes
Thanks all. My gut feeling is what kept me moving forward and not waiting three to six months before having this investigated. The second opinion actually came from the Mayo clinic when my lab sent my biopsy material to them because it surprised them as well and they wanted it confirmed before telling me. The PETScan did reveal that the cancer is not just in the base of the tongue but also in three lymph nodes. I am now waiting to hear from Johns Hopkins so that I can see a specialist there. Thank you to all that commented.
@tracey8