Hi! I recently finished radiation treatments for squamous cell cancer - throat. I finished in June and still have my G-tube. I lost 20 lbs. and have only gained 2 lbs. back, so Dr wants me to keep tube untill I show positive weight gain.
Cancer was T-1 on my tonsil (sergically removed upon discovery) and base of my tongue.

I am eating orally, but find myself not very hungary, so it's an effor to make myself eat most of the time. My throat seems pretty good, but my tongue seems to be taking the longest to get back to normal. Is this common?

My tongue seems sensitive to most foods, but seems to have lost some ability to taste. Besides my mouth being very dry, my tongue seems very 'raspy' alomost like sandpaper.

Will I every get my voice range back? I sing in a band and really hope my full range will return.

Will salivation improve?

I am scheduled for a PET scan next week. This is the first scan since Feb (radiation started in Fed and ended in June).

Thanks!!
Hank

Hi Hank

Sounds to me like you're on track. Most people here, including myself, will identify with the symptoms you are experiencing now. We have walked that path.

My taste did not start to come back for about 12-14 weeks after I finished radiation treatments, then mine started with sweets, then salts crept in later. Others here had the opposite happen with salty stuff coming back first. Your mileage will vary.

I am out 9 months now and still have trouble with spicy (peppery) foods. It's better than it was, but I still have to be really careful.

Your saliva glands may come back. Mine are somewhat better, but still nowhere near pre-treatment levels.

Hang in there, it seems you're doing fine!

As always, if you have any questions, ask, we all here to help! You'll find a lot of very supportive and knowledgeable folks here.

Welcome !

Kevin

Hi Hank,

Everyone recovery is different. I was on feeding tube until 9 mo. after treatment was finished.

I started eating small things at 3 to 4 months after treatment. Jell-o, pudding, oat meal, things like that. I did not feel hungry but would try. I was able to start tasting salt, and sweets about that time.?? I really do not remember. I lost total 38 lbs. Which didn't hurt me one bit!!

I still stay away from anything spicy. With Dry mouth it hurts a lot!! I have some saliva, but would like more!! I use all the Biotene products for Dry mouth. Good Stuff.

My Voice is still bad. I sound like a old whiskey drinker from the old west. Thank God I do not sing!! It is from having dry mouth and not enough moister in the air.

Take care and best to you on your recovery.
Diane

hi i'm tomas from ireland, finished treatment (6weeks ago)for t1 base of tongue tumour with 1 lymph node involved.I had 2 cycles cisplatin (day1 &22) and 35 radio, no surgery and I'm feeling fine, eating normally, throat a little dry & sore, taste buds 70% normal. Seem to have coped with treatment pretty well (based on some of the posts I've read) I was wondering how do they access success or not of the treatment going forward, scans, tests etc and also any lifestyle tips to help prevent reoccurance ie diet, supplements, vitamins etc. Is it ok to have an occasional glass of red wine or a light beer If anybody has been given any advice or has experience of post treatment in any way I'd love to hear from them. The site has been a great source of information & moral support over the last few months and it proves the world is one small support group. All my love and best wishes from Ireland.

Tomas: Welcome to OCF! I'd like to see you 'post a new topic' under 'Introduce Yourself', so that you can get the answers you're seeking. There are many members here who will gladly provide helpful information. Please feel free to pm or email me if you have difficulty with posting the thread.

Lois & Buzz in NC