How long does speech recovery take after tonsil cancer surgery?

My cancer was base of tung so different, my speech started of bad it my opinion but all around me said not so bad ( trying to make me feel better I think) but now 9 months post treatment I feel it has gotten worse so I avoid contact with a lot of the outside world.

Derick thanks for your response. I’m the same way. I’m a very social person so this has been hard on me too. I saw my surgeon today (3 month post-op visit) and he said my speech probably won’t get any better since I have scar tissue that is preventing my soft palate from closing all the way, thus causing the nasal sounding voice. He gave me the option of surgical repair but just not sure I’m ready for another surgery 😔 even though I do hate the way my voice sounds

Thank you Derick. That’s why surgery again scares me…what if it’s worse! I have a wonderful support system but it’s nice talking with someone who understands what I’m going through. My husband says everyone loves you no matter how you talk…I get that…but it bothers me! My voice is nasally but some words I sound like someone who is deaf too…so I understand. I also have been hearing more and more about alternative treatments too…going to check into it further. It can’t hurt right?? Best of luck to you and thank you for reaching out!

I had exact same thing Derick. I just did 35 radiation and 6 rounds of cisplatin. Now waiting to see scans.

I’m 3 weeks post surgery and have VPI as well. It’s not consistent with my speech but enough that to bother me when out and around others. After eating my soft foods I sometimes feel like food is also up there.

Hi Stephen, I feel that way too when I’m around others. Since you’re only 3 weeks post-op hopefully your VPI will improve. Speech therapy helped but at this point (4 months post-op) my speech probably won’t get any better. My doctor said at my 6 month post-op we can discuss surgery to fix the VPI….which I’m not thrilled with more surgery. Best of luck to you!

Speech recovery after tonsil cancer surgery can vary significantly from person to person, and nine weeks is still relatively early in the healing process. Many patients find that speech improvements can continue for several months or even longer with consistent speech therapy, so it's encouraging that you're already working with a speech therapist and have an upcoming appointment with your surgeon to discuss your progress.