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Jeana Keough Nears End of Tongue Cancer Treatment After Hospital Stay

Completion of chemotherapy with radiation nearly finished leaves Keough dependent on a feeding tube and prolonged supportive care.

Overview

  • Keough has finished her final chemotherapy session and has only a few radiation treatments left as she continues immunotherapy and regular IV support.
  • She was hospitalized for malnutrition and dehydration, where doctors found a deep vein thrombosis and later placed a feeding tube that she expects to need for two to six months.
  • Radiation has caused intense pain, heat and inflammation in her mouth, throat and neck, leaving her unable to swallow normally and temporarily unable to speak.
  • Her medical team told her she has an estimated 40 to 60 percent chance of cure at five years, and Keough says recovery will be a long, gradual process that requires heavy caregiving.
  • Family updates and fundraising have followed her treatment, and Keough has urged people to seek prompt answers for oral symptoms after earlier delays in diagnosis and care.