Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a bit of my journey and ask for some advice or shared experiences.
I was diagnosed with base of tongue cancer after initially going to the doctor about a lump in my neck.After a number of tests, I was told on my 38th birthday that it was cancer — something I never expected to hear, especially at my age.
My treatment plan involved 30 sessions of radiotherapy and 2 rounds of chemotherapy, which I started on 28th April 2025 and completed on 6th June 2025. The first couple of weeks were manageable, but by week 2, things got really tough. I became nil by mouth and had to have a nasogastric (NG) tube fitted.
By week 3, the phlegm became relentless, and my mouth was covered in painful ulcers. The ulcers thankfully eased after a few weeks, but the thick phlegm stuck around throughout treatment and for a few weeks afterwards.
The NG tube eventually came out after I coughed it up, but in a way, that motivated me to try eating and drinking again — having the tube in was difficult for me emotionally, as it felt like a constant reminder of being unwell.
Now in recovery, I’m still struggling with tooth pain, which I’ve been told is a side effect of the treatment. I’m currently taking morphine and ibuprofen to help manage the pain. My throat is still sore, and swallowing is difficult most days. I can get down about 3 Ensures a day, along with small bits of soft food like oats and very soft bites of other things.
One of the most difficult things now is that some mornings it feels like my throat is completely closed, and it can take hours before I feel like I can properly swallow or clear it.
I wanted to ask:
Thank you in advance — any advice or shared experiences would be really appreciated. It helps so much knowing I’m not alone in this.
Thank you. I've order it along with the pastels. I'll try anything x
Let us know how you get on.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
“has anyone made puree meals? Any recommendations?.”
I haven't but I've recommended Wiltshire Farm Foods who make and deliver
https://www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com/ready-meals/level-4-puree-meals
As for real food, try poached eggs, scrambled eggs with Philly added to make them softer and less grainy. Tinned peaches slip down well too.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Thank you that’s really helpful. 
Hi STE2b9063
Welcome to our little Community. We have quite a few folk from Australia here.
How are you and where along your journey?
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
