I was putting down my thoughts on this question which appeared in another thread but then decided perhaps this topic deserved a new thread....... here is my reply to that question about quality of speech post treatment:

I have had two surgeries and about 7/8th of my tongue has been removed. I have a prothesis attached to my denture to help me speak, but I cannot wear it all the time because it is heavy as anything and I do not have the bottom teeth to support it. The bottom teeth (aside from the front 8) were pulled befure/during and after radiation. I am on disability. There is no way I could do my former job as, aside from still suffering from debilitating fatigue, my speech is not at even a part of a reasonable standard to be working. I do not answer the telephone - unless it is one of the few people I know who DO understand me and even then they cannot - depends on how tired I - and my tongue are smile. My computer is my lifeline for communication. I could get a machine for the hearing impaired to use with my telephone but I have decided not to as I could/would get lazy about talking and even after a day or so of being mostly quiet, I feel my tongue stiffen up so I know I need to exercise it daily. And all you guys can save your women and talking jokes!!

Still, between what speech I do have and charades (which my children say I suck at!!), I get by. We deal with what we have to and move on. If I ever do try to talk to a stranger a very large percentage of them believe I am deaf, and let me tell you I have great sympathy for deaf people. Once someone thinks I am deaf they stick their face RIGHT UP CLOSE TO ME and mouth the words in a very exaggerated fashion with the volume turned WAY UP. I know people are trying to be helpful, but it is almost comical how many humans react!

Good times smile

Donna

Last edited by Pandora99; 01-21-2011 10:50 PM.
Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)