We have just got my husband home after a sub total glossectomy. So far I am encouraged by his speech given that it is less than a month since surgery. I would say I can pick up approximately half of what he says already.
my question is, does speech therapy make a big difference and thus we can hope there is a lot of improvement to come, or will it be a more modest improvement do you think? We’re not looking for perfection at all, but would be great if we could have an in depth conversation in the fullness of time. Also, will the radiotherapy put him back do you think?
Thanks for any answers.
Good evening 10blass, first of all, well done to your husband in getting through the operation and your support for him, he seems to be doing really well so speech therapy worth giving it try as it could help him improve even more, it does vary from patient to patient but im sure the speech therapist will try their best in trying to improve his speech. You could find that radiotherapy will hinder him again depending on how he reacts to it but once he is through the radio you can concentrate more on his speech. I really hope all goes well during his recovery and his speech can be improved. All the best, take care.
Chris x
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
Hi 10blass and welcome to our community. It's great that your husband is home and recovering.
The radiotherapy has significant side effects but nobody gets all of them and of course it depends how much radiation he's getting and where it's targeted. Recovery afterwards just takes time but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Have a look at this LINK to the Swallows Head and Neck Cancer charity. They have done a series of podcasts on head and neck cancer survivorship. Just click along the banner till you come to the podcast section, follow the links and watch Series 1 Episode 5.
It's an interview with Laura Marston. A very inspirational lady who has lost 7/8 of her tongue. It wasn't beating her and she can eat and speak intelligibly. even over the phone.(try to ignore the subtitles, they are not needed and because they are computer generated are inaccurate)
I really think it might be a good idea to to see what can be achieved.
I know she would be happy to swap messages on the usual social media platforms should your husband wish.
Best wishes and let us know how things go if you are up to it.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
