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Tongue Cancer: What are my treatment options?

Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Apr 27 12:04pm | Replies (93)

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@sandralea58

My husband is just finishing his last radiation treatment tomorrow. (35 in total over 6 weeks). SCC HPV+ on right tonsil and base of tongue. It hasn’t been easy, but it is tolerable and you will get through it. There is a lot of good information here and ask many questions to your team of doctors and therapists. The Speech Language Therapist gave him a set of exercises to do before radiation even began. He was diligent in doing them, and he ability to swallow has not been an issue. Taste was the first to go, and after that it was all about texture. He has been eating throughout the treatment, with only a few days where all he could do was water, tea with honey and some Kraft Dinner ..of all things. Boost powder in whole milk was also a favourite. Smoothies in the morning. And the Magic Mouthwash, tylenol every 6 hours. He was given steroids temporarily to bring down the swelling to help him through, and they really helped. He has lost weight, and it wasn’t all roses. I know it’s a shock to hear the C word. We knew in early August what this was and his treatment did not start until November 8. Waiting is not easy for sure. We are so grateful for the team of science driven specialists who work tirelessly for us to live. They won’t let you down! I wish you strength and determination. You got this!

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Replies to "My husband is just finishing his last radiation treatment tomorrow. (35 in total over 6 weeks)...."

I appreciate all of the helpful info on what to expect. I do hope your husband's cancer does not return. Did he have surgery to remove part of his tongue? That is one of my biggest fears. Does the chemoradiation cause any problems with speech and taste?