Side Effect- Numbness Of Lips And Tongue

I had squamous cell base of the tongue cancer in 1996 and had extensive radiation treatments. I have an extremely dry mouth, have had osteo radio necrosis of the left jaw bone 2 years ago and it was a struggle to get rid of the infection. I was extremely ill had to be hospitalized and almost lost my jaw bone. Hyperbaric oxygen treatments for six weeks helped a lot. I seem to struggle with side effects constantly. Just recently I have developed numbness in my lips and tongue. It is difficult to talk and swallow. The dr. thinks some nerves are compressed in the spine- supposedly damage from radiation. He has ordered an MRI. I was wondering if anyone has had an experience with this. I can hardly eat now and it is very uncomfortable.
Nora K

 

On 11/9/2005 Nora k wrote:

I had squamous cell base of the tongue cancer in 1996 and had extensive radiation treatments. I have an extremely dry mouth, have had osteo radio necrosis of the left jaw bone 2 years ago and it was a struggle to get rid of the infection. I was extremely ill had to be hospitalized and almost lost my jaw bone. Hyperbaric oxygen treatments for six weeks helped a lot. I seem to struggle with side effects constantly. Just recently I have developed numbness in my lips and tongue. It is difficult to talk and swallow. The dr. thinks some nerves are compressed in the spine- supposedly damage from radiation. He has ordered an MRI. I was wondering if anyone has had an experience with this. I can hardly eat now and it is very uncomfortable. Nora K

 

Hi Nora:

 Sorry to hear about your problems eating, talking and swallowing. I have had the same cancer, treatment and side effects.

 

This is not a easy challenge to deal with. I had my jaw replaced with a titanium plate a year ago and it is now failing and has to be replaced again. I have an excellent speach therapist here in Atlanta @ Emory who has helped with swallowing, toungue excercise and mouth strength.

Although you face some difficult problems you can manage and maintain good quality of life. You just have to seek the answers from  health proffessionals and other survivors.

 

I will pray for you and be available if you need support.

 If you would like more details or contact information at Emory I will be glad to provide.

 

Best regards,

 

George

 

 

 

 

My husband now has osteo radio necrosis of the mandible, lip and tongue numbness from the radiation. The Drs want to to a mandilbular reconstruction, he does not want this procedure, and we have heard no other options. He can only eat soup, boost and liquids as this point.
His original cancer was a tumor at the base of the tongue and floor of the mouth.

Has any one had this procedure or know of any other treatments???