Hi everyone,
9 months post treatment now ,and I'd just like to update you with how things are and see if anyone else has been here at this stage.
My Tongue is really dry at the base most of the time. Even though I drink fluids it still stays the same. I have a tiny amount of saliva available but not a lot and it's sometimes really thick. I had acupuncture four times and I think it made some difference. May try again in the future.
My tongue still gets sore / sensitive after certain foods ie citrus ,tomatoes in any form ,fruit apart from bananas anything spicy is a no go apart from a very mild curry.
My taste did start to come back ,but has stopped and gone backwards ,some foods I started to taste I can't taste anymore!
My throat gets irritated by the amount of times I try to clear it a day.
My appetite is hit and miss ,but no way as good as it was ,struggling to put weight back on.
I am able to enjoy a pint of low alcohol lager 3.4 now when I go out but two is the most I have. Wine is a no go ,it's just like drinking strong vinegar. I do miss my wine.
I still get very tired sometimes and need to nap. I also have moments of high anxiety which can last a few days ,not sure if it's some sort of PTSD? I get very upset when I think about the treatment and what it's done to me.
But on the positive I have been able to go on holiday and was able not to let these problems ruin it.
I have taken up fishing to keep my mind occupied which does help.
I have my third 6 week check up next Wednesday and hopefully Mr Evans will say I am progressing really well !
So there you have it ,am I normal at this stage?
Any thoughts would help
Cheers Mark
I do enjoy a pint ,and wonder whether I should , but its a social thing and my mouth can take it.
So do I. The odd pint of ale, sometimes two. Oncologist said it was ok in moderation. Binge drinking, spirits, smoking. A real no no
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
To my mind, yes. Run it past your team. I would be happy with once a week but I’m not your oncologist.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
couldn't bear the thought of never being able to have a drink again
Yes same here. I used to drink far too much and smoke up till 10 years before the cancer and although mine was HPV I’m sure the excesses contributed vastly. The odd bottle of beer at home and the odd pint when we go away in the camper suits me just fine.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
