So I'm about 6 weeks out of 6 weeks of radiation. And I can speak but it's kind Of difficult and sounds distorted. Is this because my tongue is like still swollen. It feels like I have too much tongue.
I didn't have speech problems after my surgery at all

Welcome to OCF. I would suggest you find a speech pathologist to work with you. Yes, your tongue still could be swollen. If you have had 1/3 of it removed thats a major operation and it can take a full year for the swelling to completely subside. Throw going thru radiation into the mix and you have even more recovering to do. I know being 6 weeks post rads you would hope to be better but recovery can take many months. Its usually one month of recovery for every week of radiation.

Hang in there, it will get better.

Oh boy! Lol. Well I'm hoping the more I talk the better it will get because after my operation I had like no problems with speech. At all. Like I sounded totally normal. And no I sound like I have a bunch of marbles in my mouth and like I have too much tongue. Lol. Probably doesn't help that I just started speaking again.
What would like a speech pathologist do?
Thanks for your reply!
-winteriscoming

Talk as much as you can - it improves over time. Also look into lymphatic massage - a build up of fluid in your neck etc... Will not help matters. I could almost feel my tongue draining when I did my massage. It does get better in time. hugs and good luck

Thank you!! My tongue can drain? Who knew?!

Yes - its a circulatory machine, I note mine is best after I've exercised. bizarre but true.

Where would I find out how to do this?

Hey there - a speech pathologist can help identify why you're having the problem you are with your speech.For example: is your tongue not moving cause it's swollen or is there swelling near the nerves that controls your tongue and that's the reason it's not moving well or is there poor sensation (hard to move something you can't feel well) or is your tongue weaker now than it was after your surgery because of limited movement while you were having radiation?
Best to see a speech pathologist to assess your issue and treat it - there are special exercises and techniques that you can learn to improve your speech.

Lymphedma massage may be beneficial too - there are massage therapists and physical therapists that have special certification in intra-oral massage (inside your mouth - sounds weird but that IS where a good part of your scar tissue is!)

Good luck - some things do get better with time but when it comes to speech and swallow - something so vital to our quality of life, it is important to get professional help from the apporpriate therapists/healthcare providers.

Best wishes in your ongoing recovery!