Treatment Plan Removal Of Tongue

My husband was diagnoised  2months ago with Squamous Cell. He has done all the tests, seen all the dr's at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX where we live.

The tumor is so large it has taken up the depth of the back of his tongue and almost as wide in the back of his tongue.

Dr's say only treatment is the removal of tongue. Probably no use of his mouth at all. He wants to be able to at least drink from his mouth but the Dr's can't give him a good prognosis on that.

Is there anyone out there that has had their tongue removed and how is their quality of life now. Can you still use your mouth? Dr's say only feeding tube but we don't want to give up hope that he can still use his mouth. this would mean no family dinners, holidays or going out to eat?

Please advise me.

Thank you,

Sandy

On 8/27/2007 sandy g wrote:

My husband was diagnoised  2months ago with Squamous Cell. He has done all the tests, seen all the dr's at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX where we live.

The tumor is so large it has taken up the depth of the back of his tongue and almost as wide in the back of his tongue.

Dr's say only treatment is the removal of tongue. Probably no use of his mouth at all. He wants to be able to at least drink from his mouth but the Dr's can't give him a good prognosis on that.

Is there anyone out there that has had their tongue removed and how is their quality of life now. Can you still use your mouth? Dr's say only feeding tube but we don't want to give up hope that he can still use his mouth. this would mean no family dinners, holidays or going out to eat?

Please advise me.

 

Thank you,

Sandy

My father has cancer of the base of tongue, he went thru chemo and radiation but only to have the cancer return.  He had to have a total glossectomy and laryngectomy.  He is about 2 months out and he can now swallow liquids. He has only drank water and coffee but he is able to get that down but he is still on a feeding tube for proper nutrition.

On 8/28/2007 gilbert wrote:

We got excited about having the surgery plan, as my husband would be out of pain. Your reply gave us more encouragement cause my husband still wants to drink by mouth.

But, the Dr called me and told me that the cancer has spread to his lung and that the surgery was off. We were so upset to have his bubble bursted. We don't know what to do now.

But you were encouraging to us. Thanks for your reply.

On 8/27/2007 sandy g wrote:

My husband was diagnoised  2months ago with Squamous Cell. He has done all the tests, seen all the dr's at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX where we live.

The tumor is so large it has taken up the depth of the back of his tongue and almost as wide in the back of his tongue.

Dr's say only treatment is the removal of tongue. Probably no use of his mouth at all. He wants to be able to at least drink from his mouth but the Dr's can't give him a good prognosis on that.

Is there anyone out there that has had their tongue removed and how is their quality of life now. Can you still use your mouth? Dr's say only feeding tube but we don't want to give up hope that he can still use his mouth. this would mean no family dinners, holidays or going out to eat?

Please advise me.

 

Thank you,

Sandy

My father has cancer of the base of tongue, he went thru chemo and radiation but only to have the cancer return.  He had to have a total glossectomy and laryngectomy.  He is about 2 months out and he can now swallow liquids. He has only drank water and coffee but he is able to get that down but he is still on a feeding tube for proper nutrition.

My husband did not have his entire toungue removed  (just the front right)but I have been in contact with someone in Texas that the doctor wanted to remove the entire tongue.  He chose not to do this and went to MD ANDERSON IN HOUSTON.  After the chemo and radiation, the tumor was gone and he has been cancer free for 2 years.  I certainly would contact another physcian with different ideas.

GOOD LUCK and God Bless you.

Sandy,

I am sorry.  I just re-read the message and discovered that you HAVE BEEN TO MD ANDERSON.