Depends what other treatment you have had surgery etc. You have probably lost your sense of taste, that should gradually return in about a month and get better over 6 months to a year. You are probably finding it very difficult to eat, due to sore mouth and throat, this will rapidly start to improve after 2 weeks. again if you do everything asked of you re swallowing excercises mouth and face excercises you should gradually begin to eat more solid food other than bland sloppy things. Carry a water bottle about with you to keep your mouth moist. Brush your teeth after every meal use Duraphat high fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash if advised. If you have support from family and friends the emotional side of things will normalise, but I still have negative thoughts about reoccurrence but maybe you wont. Speedy recovery Kim

Hello

I too have just completed 6 weeks of radiotherapy for tongue based cancer.  This was 2 weeks ago, and I am feeling the worst physically and emotionally at the moment.  I worry about eating normally again and whether I will be able to do all the things I did before but take heart from other people that this will happen in time.  I noticed today that my throat is a little less sore so hopefully this is the start of my recovery. I wish you all the best for your recovery, you must keep us advised of your progress.  All the best

Marion

Hi Marion

You are right 10 days or so after the last treatment is youre lowest point but I promise you it can only get better from this point on. It is a slow progress think months rather than weeks but you will notice a difference two weeks from now compared to today. I'm 9 months on and although I'm not 100% I lead a fairly normal life, the new normal. There are some problems like oedema, limited neck movement, dry mouth, difficulty with mucous on waking, still get odd tastes and smells, swallowing is occasionally tricky, my teeth are very sensitive, nerve damage means I cant feel my neck or part of my face and occasionally dribble food or drink or slur my speech, but I am working hard to overcome this. Mentally I'm in good shape and enjoying life. So take heart you have everything to look forward too. Keep well Kim

Hi Kim

Thank you so much for your encouraging response.  I feel so much better knowing that things will get better and I will be able to have the opportunity to enjoy life again.  I have decided to take each day as it comes and celebrate small achievements as they happen instead of letting things get me down.

Here's to the new normal life - I hope you continue to enjoy life I wish you all the best

Marion