I had a spot on my tongue that I complained about for almost two years. They sent me out to see someone in March of 2025 and the results at that time were inconclusive for cancer. However, the doctor recommended that I see an ear nose and throat specialist and also asked to see me again in six to eight weeks — none of which were done.
Fast forward to this year and about 20-plus sick call visits later. They finally sent me out to the recommended ENT and he confirmed its invasive squamous cell carcinoma. I will have to have half my tongue removed and rebuilt with tissue from other parts of my body. I may not be able to talk for a while and it will be a very painful journey. He also stated that if it’s in my lymph nodes it is really bad (my lymph nodes have hurt for months now). To say the least, Im scared.
For the last four months, Ive been to medical almost weekly and was spun around. Medical has been rude and uncooperative. Not once in that time did they tell me to go to dental, which I now know I should have tried to see. Instead, they prescribed me lidocaine mouth wash for over a year (dental says it is supposed to be for short term use only).
This sore was the size of a dime last year and now it’s a half dollar in size. I can’t even begin to describe the pain I’m in now. Im in tears at times because of it.
There is an 85% chance at survival at five years if caught early. My case is now 50% chance at five years.