Base of tongue cancer

Hello there,  as a fellow wife I can feel for you. Reading your story,it reminded me about my husbands journey. He is now 15+ mths post treatment and doing fine,considering.   Everything you are describing seems common,change in taste is one of it. Like you, my husband lost some of his hair,right across the bottom of his hairline above the neck,it's slowly starting to regrow,so I have hope for yours to come back too. As to your next scans etc. these are part of your recovery too, with this treatment having a very good success rate, you must be very unlucky not to get the results you hope for,so stay positive,you have come this far,well done, hugs Mel x

Hi  thanks for responding,  I guess you understand how difficult it all is especially the eating ! I ended up eating separately from my husband whilst going through the treatment as he used to get so upset watching me struggle with my food. I am pleased we are now eating  together again! Good to know the hair is starting to come back , mine feels so thin right now so I'll be happy when the growth begins. I'm keeping everything crossed for the scans , it's just all the waiting that gets to you! Glad to hear your husband is doing well , gives me hope! 

When it came to our eating arrangements, it was pretty much the same here,also he kept telling us,just eat what you fancy,never mind me. We still kind of have to choose food what we know he can have with no problem,his throat is still a bit delicate, the choice is getting better,each week goes by. Waiting for results has always been nerve racking,his next appointment is on the 8th. On this note, hope you have a nice Easter Mel x

Hi there Cat18 

I am now over seven years clear of RT for base of tongue cancer. I too lost that crescent of hair at the nape of my neck. It's due to the X-ray exit beam. Chaps use facial hair where the beam enters too. The good news is it grows back. If your lymphoedema (under your chin) is only slight then gentle massage will fix it. I have a short video of how I did it on my blog.

Taste will return. Just keep challenging yourself but note the foods that irritate and come back to those a month or so later.

The other exercises you should be doing are your swallow and jaw exercises. These are for life. I still do mine

Keep going. plod on. By six months you'll be a different person