Large tongue cancer - my treatment and recovery
It started when I went to my dentist to have a tooth taken out. After that I
started to bite my tongue because of a swelling. After three or four visits to
the doctors, I was referred to King's Lynn Hospital by my dentist. The doctors
there took a biopsy and I was told that I had tongue cancer. They made me an
appointment to see Mr Cheng at Addenbrooke's where he confirmed the diagnosis.
Mr Cheng also told me that I would need to have an operation to remove a large
part of my tongue followed by radiotherapy. I was admitted to Addenbrooke's in
May 2002 for my major operation. I had a large part of my tongue removed
especially towards the back near my throat and I also had all my remaining
teeth and neck lymph glands taken out. The missing part of my tongue was
rebuilt with tissue from my forearm and the blood vessels were joined onto my
neck using a microscope.
After the operation, my recovery went well apart from some trouble in learning
how to swallow again and because of that, I had to stay in the hospital for six
weeks to protect my airway. When I did return home, I still had my feeding tube
in my stomach and tracheostomy tube in my neck as a security. After the
surgery, I returned for my radiotherapy treatment. The treatment was not too
bad because I could not eat through my mouth anyway. I had my tracheostomy tube
removed in Nov 2002 and that is when I had my first drink for 6 months. I am
getting on very well now with my eating and drinking and I am having my feeding
tube removed soon. I would like to take this opportunity to thank MR CHENG and
all his team for everything they done for me. Without them I would not be here
now. I would also like to thank all the nursing staff for all the support they
gave me - they were wonderful!
Derek Peach
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Derek
Derek's Daughter Sarah and Wife Susan
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