A Dad’s Journey with Tongue Cancer: A Story of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery
Diagnosis: A Wife’s Concern and a Husband’s Denial
Stuart Kingston, 67, was struggling to swallow and hadn’t been eating, but he didn’t think much of it. His wife, Carol, noticed that his face looked “uneven” and pushed him to see a doctor. After his diagnosis in October 2020, Stuart started five weeks of daily radiotherapy and then chemotherapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool.
Treatment and Clinical Trial
During his treatment, Stuart took part in a clinical trial to help someone going through the same thing in the future. He even re-learned how to swallow and use his tongue differently. “The night before my treatment started, Carol and I went to see the Blackpool Illuminations,” Stuart said. “We promised each other we’d come back when my treatment was finished.”
Recovery and Speech Therapy
After having treatment, Stuart needed to re-learn how to swallow and use his tongue differently. He received speech and language therapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, where he worked with Dr. Heulwen Sheldrick. “Stuart had a feeding tube fitted at the start of his treatment and our main focus was to adjust what/how to eat and drink in order to safely remove the tube,” Dr. Sheldrick said.
Lessons Learned and Advice
Stuart got the all clear in March 2022 and wants to encourage others to see their GP sooner than he did if they have any concerns. “Don’t think you’re invincible like I did,” Stuart said. “Speak with a professional if you’re experiencing any symptoms and put yourself in the hands of the experts. No matter how independent or tough you think you are, you can’t cure this by yourself. Accept the help of people who are highly skilled and qualified. Have trust and faith in their abilities and go into everything with a positive attitude taking it a day at a time.”
Conclusion
Stuart’s story is a reminder that cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or health. His journey highlights the importance of seeking medical attention if you notice any unusual symptoms and the value of speech and language therapy in the recovery process.
FAQs
Q: What are the symptoms of tongue cancer?
A: Symptoms of tongue cancer may include difficulty swallowing, pain or numbness in the tongue or mouth, and changes in the way food tastes.
Q: How is tongue cancer treated?
A: Treatment for tongue cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Q: What is speech and language therapy?
A: Speech and language therapy is a treatment that helps individuals with speech, language, or swallowing disorders to communicate more effectively.
Q: Can anyone participate in a clinical trial?
A: Clinical trials are typically open to individuals who have been diagnosed with a specific type of cancer and are undergoing treatment.
