“I thought I was in great shape and so did the doctors because what they did surgery on was SCC, STAGE 0, as in zero. But it has caused me this tongue problem, and the lymphedema which there is no cure for.
And I blame the care I received for the totally unnecessary tracheostomy for some swallowing problems and I guess what you could call PTSD.”
Was the surgery optional, or would it have made cancer spread if you didn’t have it?
I’m sorry you’ve had such troubles with it all. It sounds so frustrating and difficult to deal with. You’re right, talking, breathing, eating, we do it all day long.
As far as the cancer cells, not tumors, they told me since I caught it at such an unusually early stage, it would be great. And I actually was good after the first major surgery, after I escaped the horrid tracheostomy. Then, a few weeks later, I was told there were a few cells they need to take, it was a si please surgery. They would make sure my tongue would heal properly. Well, after that simple surgery I was never the same, and my tongue is messed up.
As far as the tracheostomy, before my first surgery I approved it because it that told me sometimes the swelling cut off breathing so it was precaution. But, some of the nurses didn’t know to clean it, and I didn’t swell so I didn’t need it. I couldn’t breathe, and it was horrendous. When the emergency people came and temporary took out the clogged tube, I could breathe just fine but they said they had to put it back because of doctors orders. There was blood spurting out and everything and they had to call emergency several times, but forced me to keep it even though I did not need it. Post op, I told the doctor I would rather die than go through that again, and all he could say was that he didnt know of the problems, and that even though I didn’t need it a few people do.
So I told the new doc about it, and he said he doesn’t have a tracheotomy put in unless you need it, BECAUSE THERE’S NOT THAT MUCH MONEY IN IT. Let that sink in.