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Tongue Cancer Journey: Yurie Shimizu’s Story of Song and Hope

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舌癌闘病記：清水由利恵さんのステージ2舌癌との闘い。歌への情熱と家族の支えで乗り越えた物語。希望と勇気をあなたに。

LA Butterfly:

LA Butterfly is a platform from Los Angeles that shares stories of cancer survivors discovering their “true selves” and finding strength. Inspired by the transformation from cocoon to butterfly, it compiles their words, lessons, and recommended items, spreading hope and courage.

Summary Paragraph:

The tongue cancer journey of Yurie Shimizu is an inspiring tale of resilience, driven by her passion for singing and the support of her family. Beginning in 2018 with a dental visit, her path led to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) diagnosis, university hospital treatment, and surgery to remove half her tongue. Through post-surgery rehabilitation and vocal training, she reclaimed her singing voice, performing at live houses and hosting lectures.

Yurie Shimizu’s Self-Discovery and Dream Rebuilding

Self-Discovery

Diagnosed with tongue cancer at 42, Yurie faced the fear of losing her ability to sing. Surgery to remove half her tongue posed a risk to her speech and voice, threatening her identity as a singer. However, through rehabilitation and vocal training, she returned to performing at live houses, reclaiming her “self.” “Singing is my lifeline,” Yurie says, and her tongue cancer journey taught her the importance of expressing herself, no matter the circumstances.

Rebuilding Dreams

Throughout her tongue cancer journey, Yurie forged new dreams. Post-surgery, she began hosting online lectures to share “what cancer taught me,” offering hope to other cancer patients and their families. As a single mother, she strengthened her bond with her children, fulfilling her role despite challenges. Her tongue cancer journey gave birth to a new dream: to live each day meaningfully, adding depth to her life. This story showcases the strength to pursue dreams in adversity.

Yurie Shimizu’s Uplifting and Empowering Statements:

  • “Live each day preciously”: “After getting sick, I realized life is finite. I want to cherish every day, not take it for granted.”
    Post-diagnosis, Yurie became acutely aware of life’s fragility. After recovery, she prioritized family time and singing, maintaining a positive outlook.
  • “Singing is my strength”: “Even after losing half my tongue, my desire to sing kept me going.”
    Despite surgery, Yurie’s vocal training and rehabilitation restored her singing ability. Performing again at a live house became her emotional anchor.
  • “My children’s bond is my power”: “Even when they were anxious, their hugs gave me strength.”
    As a single mother, Yurie faced challenges caring for her children’s emotions. Daily LINE messages (a Japanese messaging app) and hugs strengthened their connection, supporting her journey.

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Diagnosis and Treatment Details:

  • Initial Symptoms and Diagnosis
    • 2018: Noticed white discoloration on her tongue at a dental visit. The inner teeth were shaved, but symptoms persisted.
    • Worsening Symptoms: Tongue turned red, with pain and bleeding. Researched online and visited an ENT clinic.
    • ENT Visit: A small ENT clinic prescribed medication without improvement, referring her to a university hospital.
    • University Hospital Diagnosis: A biopsy (tissue sampling) confirmed stage 2 tongue cancer. Diagnosed at age 42.
  • Treatment Process
    • Surgery Decision: The tumor on the right side of her tongue grew rapidly (reaching the size of a fingertip’s second joint in 10 days). After consulting a cancer support center, she opted for surgery due to urgency, forgoing a second opinion.
    • Half-Tongue Resection Surgery: Removed the right side of her tongue. Surgeons checked for cancer cells during resection, opting not to stitch but to apply a regenerative sheet.
    • Post-Surgery Complications: The sheet peeled off, requiring electrocautery for hemostasis. Humming a song caused complete sheet detachment, leading to emergency surgery for stitching.
    • Nutrition: Post-surgery, she relied on nasal feeding tubes. Transitioning to oral water intake took over two hours, posing challenges.
    • Rehabilitation: Vocal training and self-talk were recommended to restore speech and singing.
  • Post-Discharge: Over a year, eating and speaking improved. She avoids spicy or sticky foods due to oral sensitivity.

Tongue Cancer Journey: Medical Explanation of Tongue Cancer

Tongue cancer (squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue) is a malignant tumor affecting the tongue’s surface or sides, classified as an oral cancer. Below is a detailed explanation.

  • Definition: Tongue cancer arises from abnormal growth of squamous cells on the tongue, commonly on the sides or undersurface. Early detection can be challenging.
  • Symptoms: White or red patches, ulcers, pain, bleeding, or lumps on the tongue. Advanced cases cause swallowing or speech difficulties.
  • Causes and Risk Factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, human papillomavirus (HPV), poor oral hygiene, chronic irritation (e.g., sharp teeth).
  • Diagnosis: Visual inspection, palpation, biopsy, imaging (CT, MRI). TNM staging assesses progression. Yurie’s stage 2 indicated a 2–4 cm tumor without metastasis.
  • Treatment: Surgery (partial or total resection), radiation, chemotherapy. Early-stage cases, like Yurie’s, often involve partial resection.
  • Prognosis: Early detection yields a 70–90% five-year survival rate. Stage 2 has a favorable prognosis but requires speech and swallowing rehabilitation.

References

  1. National Cancer Center Japan
  2. Japanese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
  3. American Cancer Society