Anyone have difficulty with speech (forming words) after radiation?

It seems you have improved a bit over the summer but now talking issues. The radiation can affect our ability to speak in that it takes a steady control of breath to operate the vocal cords for word sounds. Radiation and or nerves damaged result in vocal issues for a while. Hopefully, as in my case, this is temporary. Although I did seek out a speech and hearing tech, there was nothing that could be done that time itself wouldn't take care of.
Now, if it's a case of a "brain fart" where you lock up and cannot get the word to the voice box, that can also be an after shock of the radiation. Likely however it is simply the control of the larynx which should improve in time. For most of us, issues like this and others can go on for years. Eventually, and it seems around the time we get used to something weird going on, the problem goes away. I did a dissertation a while back on some side effects of radiation and the time period involved. These effects were not uncommon nor unduly lengthy as most would attest. Cancer, the gift that keeps on giving. I think when we learn to deal with all of this we actually learn to deal with just about anything life throws at us.

Thanks so much for that comforting info and for sharing your personal problems on this subject.

kudos to you - for handling this in a positive note !

hi mikecarroll1937, lilyanne here. i do hope you have improved and all is well with you now. that is such a scary situation to be sure. blessings for you

Thanks so much. There have been no other episodes since so am praying this is a twice and never again situation

Hello mikecarroll1937.
It took me a good year to be able to talk again after radiation for Pyriform Sinus Cancer. These glands are located on each side of the vocal cords. I did many throat exercises with swallowing studies conducted throughout that year. It is a slow process, but like everything, with much work and effort you will be rewarded. One of the best days of my life was when my feeding tube fell out. The doctor wanted to re-insert it, but I declined. After that, I began eating and drinking in a slowly progressive process. Although my vocal cords are paralyzed, I can speak, eat and drink. God truly answers prayer. Best wishes to you.

Thanks so much for sharing your harrowing experience.
Praying that you continue to improve.

Hello, I’m 8 years out from stage IV treatments and my speech has not fully recovered.
Speech therapy was a waste of time and money for me so my doctor agreed to stop.
In my own head I hear myself as being intoxicated but others tell me I sound ok.
My mouth goes dry while talking so having water with me is very important or my speech goes completely horrible!
I also have to stop and think about what I want to say before talking.
Hang in there and remember that everyone is different and you may recover!
Best wishes,
MOJO

Thanks so much MOJO for your input. Still having dry mouth problems which affect my speech, but no more episodes like earlier.