New Here: Just had surgery for mouth and neck (lymph) cancer

Posted by drmiller @drmiller, Jun 4, 2021

Just had surgery fir mouth and neck (lymph) cancer. Is there anyone who has been through similar surgery? I

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Hi @drmiller, welcome. If I understand correctly, you just had surgery for mouth cancer and lymph nodes in your neck were also removed. Correct? Were the lymph nodes found to also be cancerous? When was your surgery and how are you doing?

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Hello @drmiller, I had tongue cancer some years ago and had my neck lymph nodes removed. It's not nice surgery! Hope you are healing well.

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Yes,, I had surgery for oral carcinoma on march 10th. What would you like to know

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@will24

Yes,, I had surgery for oral carcinoma on march 10th. What would you like to know

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I would like to know what your symptoms were? I’m dealing with a small mass on my parotid gland. It’s causing pain on my left cheek and side of head. I went to Mayo and after an ultrasound, the radiologist decided it was an extra flap of skin on my parotid. I’m not so sure as I’m having pain. Went to dentist, no teeth issues.

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Dear destinnana
I think everyone's symptoms will be different. Post surgery, my main complaint is discomfort with the flap that was grafted into the mouth from the forearm. It is important to get up and do as much as you are able each day, which you are probably doing. If you are with the Mayo Clinic, you should be in great hands.

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@alpaca

Hello @drmiller, I had tongue cancer some years ago and had my neck lymph nodes removed. It's not nice surgery! Hope you are healing well.

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Hello, I have a question? Ok I to have tongue cancer and in some of my lymph nodes. my question is did you have some of your tongue removed? I had most of mine removed and I wanted to ask do you eat solid foods still or do you eat through a tube. I have a tube in but I don't use it. I eat milkshakes everyday and want to go on trying other foods but am still a little scared to try. What is the easiest foods you would say to try first?

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@jennyjenn2680

Hello, I have a question? Ok I to have tongue cancer and in some of my lymph nodes. my question is did you have some of your tongue removed? I had most of mine removed and I wanted to ask do you eat solid foods still or do you eat through a tube. I have a tube in but I don't use it. I eat milkshakes everyday and want to go on trying other foods but am still a little scared to try. What is the easiest foods you would say to try first?

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I was diagnosed with lymphomia in my mouth. We initially thought it was TMJ related and by the time it was ruled out I could no longer open my mouth or swallow. No surgery was possible but have had radiation and chemo. I eat and drink using a g tube. I consulted with a nutritionist and prepare my own meals but do also use Ensure Plus. I'd be happy to share more details as to what works for me. My primary dinner is boiled chicken and vegetables in chicken broth. Bottom line is to count calories for your daily weight goal and to blend the right ratio of solids to liquids so that they will go through the tube. Good luck!

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@will24

Yes,, I had surgery for oral carcinoma on march 10th. What would you like to know

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Did the surgery impact your speech and swallowing?

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@will24

Dear destinnana
I think everyone's symptoms will be different. Post surgery, my main complaint is discomfort with the flap that was grafted into the mouth from the forearm. It is important to get up and do as much as you are able each day, which you are probably doing. If you are with the Mayo Clinic, you should be in great hands.

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Are you still able to swallow and speak after your surgery?

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My question as well - can you still speak and swallow? Did the surgeon have to create a flap?

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