https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Living-with-and-beyond-cancer/years-beyond-treatment/m-p/39326#M1626 <P>Thanks Allen for your post. I have had part of my tongue replaced, also my jaw ,last year. I am finding eating difficult and would like to think I will one day eat more than pureed food.&nbsp; How do you cope in social situations, eg when dining out with friends? Thank you very much</P> Mon, 14 Mar 2022 04:35:41 GMT laura19 2022-03-14T04:35:41Z https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Living-with-and-beyond-cancer/years-beyond-treatment/m-p/39254#M1621 <P>HI All</P><P>It is some t ime since I visited this site as I am now nine years post treatment.&nbsp; It is interesting to read some of the newer post that are coming through.&nbsp; I had concer on my tongue which resulted in a partial glosectomey follwed by 32 radiation treatments.&nbsp; &nbsp;That was hell but I got through it with family help.&nbsp; To this day I still have trouble eating most foods and have what is called a semi soft diet.&nbsp; My saliva glands never recovered properly so what saliva I do have is thick and dries up the minute I put any food in m y mouth.&nbsp; No sandwiches for me.&nbsp; I was describing this to a friend the other day and it is like you trying to eat to many dry crackers without liquid to wash them down.&nbsp; Most of my meal have gravy or similar on them.&nbsp; I eat soup for lunch almost every day as it is the easist.&nbsp; The repair for my tongue was taken from my left forearm and has only just gotten some feeling to it.&nbsp; My forearm and hand cause problems because of the nerve damage.&nbsp; My neck is called a woody neck because&nbsp; of the scaring from the radiation.&nbsp; I have the most trouble with my jaw after a visit to the dentist as it goes out of alignment and I have to stretch it back again.&nbsp; There are some things that will never return, like the missing taste buds and saliva.&nbsp; Also remember that radioatin on your head and neck affect other glands it can create problems later.&nbsp; &nbsp;Get yourself a really good family doctor who is willing to research and does regular blood test.&nbsp; It has been a long road and some things really suck but life goes on and we&nbsp; make the best of what we get.&nbsp; I just play the hand I have been dealt and am thankful that I am here to spend precious time with my granddaughter.</P><P>Stay strong and safe everyone</P> Fri, 18 Feb 2022 01:05:58 GMT https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Living-with-and-beyond-cancer/years-beyond-treatment/m-p/39254#M1621 mahootna 2022-02-18T01:05:58Z https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Living-with-and-beyond-cancer/years-beyond-treatment/m-p/39264#M1622 <P>Hi mahootna, your diagnosis must have been so frightening and your treatment also.&nbsp; The side effects you describe are wretched but it appears you're dealing with them very well.&nbsp; I just wanted to acknowledge your post and congratulate you for being a survivor!&nbsp; 9 years is a long time.&nbsp; I wish you well.</P> Sun, 20 Feb 2022 22:39:15 GMT https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Living-with-and-beyond-cancer/years-beyond-treatment/m-p/39264#M1622 Hannah1 2022-02-20T22:39:15Z https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Living-with-and-beyond-cancer/years-beyond-treatment/m-p/39326#M1626 <P>Thanks Allen for your post. I have had part of my tongue replaced, also my jaw ,last year. I am finding eating difficult and would like to think I will one day eat more than pureed food.&nbsp; How do you cope in social situations, eg when dining out with friends? Thank you very much</P> Mon, 14 Mar 2022 04:35:41 GMT https://onlinecommunity.cancercouncil.com.au/t5/Living-with-and-beyond-cancer/years-beyond-treatment/m-p/39326#M1626 laura19 2022-03-14T04:35:41Z