liquid diet for three months, oral cancer

[violetqueen]

A relative has recently had a biopsy on her tongue which has proved to be malignant.
She saw doctors on Weds and has been told will have surgery ,will be on a liquid diet for 3 months and will talk with slight speech impediment afterwards .
I'm really worried by implications of 3 months liquid diet .
Do you think this means quite radical surgery ?
Do you think she'll be on a feeding tube ?
Does anyone have any experience of this ?

I think the answers 2 first 2 questions are yes, I read a very good survivor's story of oral cancer book last year, but I can't quite remember the author's name. She was (is) Irish and an established author.

Sorry about your relative's news.

Oh lord ,that's what I'm thinkung .

Geoff Boycott (the cricketer) has had it, too. He writes a very positive account here.

My dad is in remission from throat cancer and primarily was on a liquid diet orally as he was very stubborn and refused the tube. He eventually had to have the tube into his stomach, he was attached to a machine at night and liquid fed that way. This meant he could carry on in the day as normal as possible.
It was hard but copable

Thanks magnolia - perhaps the talk of liquid diet is instead of tube feeding ...
It's very hard when you're dealing with things seconhand ,and I don't want to query every detail with her .
Don't want to add to her distress by saying - gosh 3 months liquid diet ,does that mean that you're loosing a large piece of your tongue .
This is so awful.
Thanks cantsuphinate - will look at link .

Your relative should also be referred to a dietitian who will be able to give information and support regarding this.

I'm sorry violet - the only thing I would say is that the fact they are saying she will have a slight speech impediment afterwards is a positive thing. In my experience (a friend) the resulting impediment was significant because it was a significant tumour, so slight impediment would seem to indicates a small tumour.

I hope it all goes well.

Yes, the dietitians will be involved and will give your relative all the options. If it is possible for them to take liquid foods and supplements that would be best, as patients tend to do better when they can control their own eating, its less of an adjustment to make, iyswim. This also depends on the consistency of the foods, either truly liquid or custard-consistency. If she likes milky things, your relative could get most of her calories from fortified milky drinks with a supplement drink to top up her vitamins and minerals.

If liquid feeding does not work out, the options are a naso-gastric feeding tube, or a PEG feed. This really depends on the duration that the tube would be required, as NG tubes are used for periods of weeks, and PEG feeds for longer term.

Even if your relative has to have tube feeds, she will still be encouraged to take as much liquid food as they feel able to, they don't have to stop eating altogether, the tube will just top up the calorie and micronutrients.

The thing to remember is that any measure is temporary, and your relative will get plenty of help making the adjustments she needs.

It doesn't always mean a huge amount of surgery though. My dad had little surgery but anything that involves tongue,throat, mouth can affect taste buds and ability to chew/swallow/talk etc so maybe why a liqiud diet is needed.
Talk to her, I am sure she will be ok with explaining anything she has been told and be really greatful for your concern x

I have no experience of oral cancer, sorry to hear about that

I have had long periods on a liquid diet due to crohn's disease in an attempt to avoid taking steriods.

It isn't that bad when you get used to it and is relatively palatable (well some flavours are).

Oh thanks ,everyone .
Feel a bit reassured now .
Yes will talk more to her ,just wanted to get my own anxiety under control first .