Cancer of the Tongue

[Lady Rebel]

I have been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. It started as a spot under my left side of my tongue which I thought was caused by my back molar. Dr and dentist both agreed that was the problem. Over the fall I started to get an ear ache, eustation tube pain and sore throat which I thought was allergies and then this place got worse to the point that the indention of the molor was in my tongue. After finally getting back into my dr's office he said the tooth had to come out which was over the holidays and no one had an opening, the oral surgeon would not take a referral from my family dr and it was 1/2/08 before the tooth could be taken out. This dentist sent me to an ENT who did a biopsy which came back cancer. They are telling me that a large portion of my tongue will have to be removed along with lymph nodes in my neck. They will have to do a trach for the swelling, skin from my thigh will have to be used as graft. This is set to be done on 2/4/08. I was wondering if anyone else has been through this. They plan on doing radiation rather than chemo and I will lose what teeth I still have left because they said the radiation will destroy my teeth. Could anyone give me input on what they went through. I'm 51 years old, scared but keeping a positive attitude and I have God and Jesus on my side. I was saved and baptized December 2nd before these were diagnozed and feel that was the reason I was saved. I just want to know if there are anyone out there who has gone through this, what I can expect, I only weigh 98 pounds 5'2" and can't put any weight back on. I drink carnation instant breakfast drinks and take vitamins and eat what I can. Also are there any places I can contact to help me financially as all I have is medicare. Any help here will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Frankie

[Lady Rebel]

Also the dr said I was Stage 3.

[Joanne]

(((Lady Rebel)))

I cannot even imagine all the emotions that you are going through right now. it is a roller coaster. I can only say that I have been through the cancer journey with my mother many years ago, and that's not going through it YOURSELF.

First let me just list some links that you can explore when you feel like it. They might have better answers on funding and support than I do. And at least a good place to compare your treatment options with other suggestions.

http://www.tonguecancer.com/tongue_cancer.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency ... 001035.htm
American Cancer Society - www.cancer.org
National Cancer Institute - www.cancer.gov
http://www.tonguecancer-info.com
http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/

This link is a list of Alternative Health websites/organizations that might have info on cancers:
http://heartspring.net/alternative_medi ... ctory.html

This is one persons story of coping with tongue cancer and has links on questions, coping, treatments, and more:
http://orbit.unh.edu/cancer/ story

Ok, with that out of the way......I would recommend Susun's book :Breast cancer, Breast Health." While it mainly is on breasts, it has wonderful info for ALLl cancers on herbs and nutrition and ways to help cope with effects of radiation (eat miso, take burdock tincture, apply st john's wort oil to area, etc). Red clover is known to turn of oncogenes and she discusses that. Burdock is another ally. Yellow dock. Seaweeds.
Drink nourishing infusions to help all of your body systems and wellness--oatstraw, nettles, red clover, violet leaf....

I would suggest having emotional outlets, good support from friends who can let you be 'real" through this......people who will give you hugs and love.

Visualization techniques, guided imagery (there are books and audiotapes on these that libraries may have or can get), TCM (traditional chinese medicine) has also been utilized by many....massage (to help move lymph and support releasing) and energy work through reiki, tai chi, yoga, any form can be helpful too.

Dancing with Cancer the Wise Woman Way:
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/W ... m#surprise

I've thrown a lot of ideas your way. Do not be overwhelmed. Options just give you power and choices. You know what is best for your own body.

You will be in my healing thoughts.....HUGS, Love.....

and hang on to the Lady REBEL...your warrior within, she will serve you well.

[Lady Rebel]

Thank you for the information. Yes it is so overwhelming. I am so scared. I am a child of God and with him I will get through this but it still don't keep me from being afraid of the unknown. Please keep me in your prayers.

[Willow]

Dearest Lady Rebel, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Yes, you ARE a precious child of God and you have a right to be afraid. Please keep us updated on your condition as you see fit. Joanne gave you some great information; I second it all.

Abundant blessings coming your way.

[Healer Within]

Lady Rebel -

You are absolutely in our prayers and thoughts...

Sending love and Light - let us know how you're doing.

xox

[Tamara]

Update...just wanted you all to know that our Lady Rebel got through the surgery. They only had to take one third of her tongue....they took out about 50 lymph nodes...cancer cells were only in 4. She will still have to have some radiation. She's home...feeding tube is out and I actually talked with her on the phone and she sounded great. She wanted to say thanks for all the healing thoughts and prayers from everyone.

[Willow]

What great news! Thanks for the update Tamara! Please let her know she is still in our hearts and prayers.

[HugsnKisses]

Hello, I was reading through this post and was hoping for an update if possible. I spoke to a young man yesterday who hasn't been diagnosed yet but from the sounds of it is experiencing a melanoma of the tongue with a "lump" and a black spot. He seems very level headed especially considering his age-he is determined that he wants to treat it naturally and from what he spoke of he is off to a very good start with his selections so far. Any additional personal experiences I could pass on to him would be appreciated. I know that this form is very aggressive and given it's location is hard to "treat".
Warmest Regards and Many Thanks in advance;
Deanna

[Lady Rebel]

Hi Deanna, please read my post of the 19th of June. I would be glad to correspond regarding this cancer. Although I went through the conventional way of treatment, I was blessed so far to be cancer free. Its been a year and half since my surgery. I pray this gentleman is fortunate to find doctors who work agressively as they did for me, along with my faith in God. Well wishes and God Bless.

[HugsnKisses]

I haven't heard from this young fella since my post. Thank you for your generous offer and if he contacts me again I will let him know. I am so very glad that you are still cancer free : )
Waremst Regards;
Deanna

[Lady Rebel]

Thank you

[Patchouli]

I would go for the treatment too. My dh is 80yo and had chemo/radiation over 20 years ago and is a picture of health (not any meds for anything). Sometimes allopathics are necessary and then rebuild your body after the treatments patchouli