Can't eat or speak normally 5 years after tongue cancer radiation?

Long-term side effects from radiation treatment can be incredibly challenging to navigate, and this experience is unfortunately shared by others in the oral cancer community. Many people continue to work with speech therapists, dietitians, and their medical teams years after treatment to find strategies that help improve eating and communication. Connecting with others who understand these ongoing challenges can provide valuable insights and support - has anyone else found helpful approaches for managing similar lasting effects from radiation?

I’m sorry Joe. I had 35 radiation treatments and 4 months past last rad, and I’m able to talk fine. I’m sorry your going through this

Hi Joe, I've had both thyroids removed along with their associated nodes. 4 tonsils and back of tongue removed. 35 radiation and 6 chemo treatments. It's been about a year now since this was done. Have very little sense of taste and eating has been difficult. G-tube got me through the worst. Had it removed about 6 months ago. Keep trying different foods, little by little. Veggies are your friend now. Stay away from anything processed as it tastes horrible. I do well with peanut butter/jelly sandwiches along with a lot of milk to wash it down. Cereals are ok as well. Don't give up, keep trying, as it can be a long process.

I am just now one year into base of tung have not been able to eat by mouth for 14 months and speech is bad and getting worse cancer has returned and I have been put on immunotherapy so time will tell but the eating and speech is due to radiation all is all it sucks but for now I’m still here.