I have been following and using this site since I was diagnosed with tongue cancer in Feb. 2006. I am 34 years old. The board has given me great information and I appreciate everyone's stories.

I had surgery to remove the tumor, neck dissection to remove the lymph nodes and just finished radiation treatment on May 17. Cancer was Stage 1 with no node involvement.

I knew of all the side effects that could potentially occur during radiation but I am surprised at how I feel now that radiation is done. I kind of feel crappy and I was wondering if this is normal and if other people experienced the same things. I guess I thought I would feel great once treatment ended.

For instance, I have a dry cough now..it seems to be getting better though. I am also very tired. Believe it or not, I was not really tired at all during radiation. How long do you feel so tired? And also, when does the swelling and pain in the mouth go away- right after treatment was done, it felt like my tongue was on fire. I also drink Ensure and have pasta...that is all I can really eat right now. When were people able to expand their food selection (I so need a cheeseburger!)

My oncologist said that I should start feeling alot better after 2 weeks.

Anyway, any insight people can provide after experiencing their tongue being radiated would be appreciated. thanks.

Perfectly normal to feel "crappy" at this point. I felt "crappy" for over 6 months. I slowly turned the corner at 3 weeks post Tx.

The radiation effects continue to build up until about the 3rd week post Tx. You won't notice any big changes - it's a long and slow process.

The fact that you can eat anything right now tells me that you are way ahead of the curve on this one.

scrambled eggs with cheese!!! Try those, leave them a little wet and they go down very easily!!! P.S. Erik liked the taste of Boost better than Ensure. Erik is just 6 weeks out of treatment and was able to eat Tuna steak and salmon because they are pretty soft proteins.
Jennie

Hey B018, something John had success with[besides pastas, soups, etc.] was chicken thighs baked and smothered in gravy or mild bbq sauce and Baby back pork ribs, slow baked in the oven with bbq sauce. [he has no teeth to chew with, but these meats went down well in small bites] Lust after the cheeseburger-but proceed with caution Amy