Hi all,

My tongue was removed three weeks ago following the discovery of a salivary gland tumor in my tongue. I still can't swallow - I do have a speech therapist who is working with me on getting water and apple sauce down. My trach wasn't taken out yesterday. I do have radiation starting in a few weeks, and I'd like to make some progress before that starts. Has anyone had a similar experience trying to learn how to swallow again after a full tongue removal? Is it even possible?

-r0se

Sorry - my trach WAS taken out yesterday. typo.

Hi Rose,

I'm so sorry to hear abut your surgery. I have had most of my tongue removed. I have a sliver of tongue remaining. I am able to swallow liquids and soft food, but it took time and perseverance . It was frustrating (and still is) but each small win is good.

I found ice chips really helped me as I was able to work out where the back of my throat is - I know this sounds weird but it helps to visualise where everything is. Plus that feeling of when you swallow that first ice chip is utter bliss.

What swallow exercises were you given to do?

Hi there,

Ice chips might be cool to try - but I'm afraid it would make me choke. When I try solid food, I tend to just cough everything up. I'll try it and let you know! The speech therapist didn't give me any exercises and my swallow test is scheduled for post rad. Is that normal? I'm a bit worried because I would like to be working on swallowing now. I have been able to get half an espresso cup of coffee and a quarter of a cup of squash soup down with time and effort. If you (or anyone) have any more recommendations, let me know. Thank you for reaching out!!!

Hi Rose! On 10.16.19, I sent a couple of other newer members going thru a similar situation the following post which also applies to you....

We have on ongoing list of the best foods for patients who have eating problems or are relearning how to eat after rads/surgeries. These foods have a smoother texture and can be a bit bland but for someone who can barely swallow and/or has painful mouth sores they work great....

OCFs List of Easy to Eat Foods


Most swallow tests are done after all treatments have been completed. Surprisingly, some patients have a hard time eating/drinking after only a couple days of not doing it. Those muscles very quickly forget how to function together. Best things to help are first select the proper food that you can eat. Take small bites and make sure you have plenty of extra time to eat/drink so you arent rushed. Those minor changes can help you to do better with your swallowing. Id highly recommend check at your treatment facility to set up a meeting with a SLP, or nutritionist or someone that can help make eating and drinking easier. It sure cant hurt to have another specialist in yoru corner to help get you past the rough spots.

Hi there,

Thank you for that insight about the swallow test after radiation! I also spoke to my speech therapist, and she said she will try to book a swallow test earlier and will examine my swallowing with the nose test (the video cam through the nose) next week. Another question - how does everyone deal with the salvia?! I am really struggling with it and coughing alot. Any tips?

You guys are great, thank you.

If it Is ropey saliva that you are trying to get rid of, one good way is to use a Waterpik. Put warm water into the tank with a bit of magic mouthwash. Then use the tongue scraper attachment and on the lowest setting, clean the saliva out of your mouth. You will have to do,this several times a day. It will keep you mouth feeling fresh.

Hi there,

Hmmmm I don't have a Waterpik, but I do have some green sponge brushes from the hospital. I could try those? Any other ideas?

The green sponges may work but may not get rid of the ropey saliva completely. Give it a try.

I didn't have a waterpik when I first came out of hospital, I too had sponges (mine were pink) which helped and I did a lot of rinsing my mouth with warm water. I also used a lot of tissues to spit into..

The waterpik is a great investment as it keeps your mouth clean and can get the saliva that hides around your mouth. If you get the opportunity to buy a waterpik (amazon is a great place to shop) then get one that has a tongue scraper as you'll be able to pull the thick stuff that is sitting at the back and then rinse it with warm water from the pik.