Head and Neck Cancer Support Group

Hi,
I’m a newbie to this group. I’ve had oral leukoplakia for the past 50 years. I am 69 years old. The big C finally caught me (squamous cell cancer) and on January 9, 2023, I had a partial glosectomy with a flap. My home meds were withheld and I went into withdrawals with auditory, visual hallucinations, lack of sleep, suicidal. Once psychiatry was called in (5 days later) and put me back on home meds, have stabilized. Home now and recovering. Still can’t swallow food, dairy free and drinking high protein, high caloric drinks. Found out I will now need radiation. Any suggestions regarding oral radiation?

Welcome, @rho610. Thank goodness you medication has been re-stated and you've stablized.

You will find members talking about squamous cell cancer of the tongue in the discussions in the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/head-neck-cancer/ Click the link to see all discussion topics.

Here are a few discussions that I think you'll be interested in:
- Tongue Cancer: What are my treatment options? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cancer-under-my-tongue-and-raised-lymph-nodes/
- Soft Food Suggestions https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/soft-food-suggestions/
- New Here: Just had surgery for mouth and neck (lymph) cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-here-5/

I might even suggest you start a new discussion with the title "Starting head & neck radiation: What can I expect? Your tips."

Thank you so much for welcoming me into this group. Looking forward to getting and giving suggestions (when I experience and learn something to give). Good luck to all on their journey!
Rhoda