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I am 71, and 18 years out of nasopharyngeal carcinoma IV. Was ok after radiation and chemo treatment. Four years ago - mid 2020 - I started having difficulties in speech and in swallowing as well. Diagnosed with dysphagia (swallowing issue) and dysarthria (speech issue) - told that these issues are the late effects of radiation - especially to survivors of head and neck cancer.
Yes - I require liquid with my food, and food have to be in small bite sizes - soft and 'mushy', also liquid or water is hard to go down - had to tilt my head a little for the liquid to go down well so that it does not come out through my nose. Drooling also comes into place, and numbness in the lower mouth/jaw area.
Am learning to adapt to this change in lifestyle (with these invisible disabilities, it restricts me mingling and socialising with families and friends and in public places).
After 4 years - am still learning and adapting to be 'ok' in living with these disabilities!
It's tough!
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I think I will be having these issues also. Still having infusion therapy every couple weeks. Will have pet CT scan in couple weeks. Cancer on tongue was almost gone the last one. Still on feeding tube. I guess I want to be all better too fast and have to be more patient. It seems like so much work and I get very frustrated. I have lived with my son who still has a son living at home and s daughter a junior in college. I will be 76 Dec 15th, lucky to still be alive and thanks to my oncologist and team. I need some advice just starting this healing process. I see this recovering brakes time and patience! Prayers appreciated.