Chemo finished 17 November 2015 - 4 x fortnightly AC followed by 12 x weekly taxol. The swollen tongue got worse after each dose of AC until it just didn't go away after the third dose. It has had the nurses, oncologist & GP perplexed. The swelling eased somewhat shortly after end of chemo. I then had 4 weeks radiation starting a week after taxol finished & my tongue swelled again on the second last day of radiation (which was on my breast)???? It gets sore on the sides because its too big to fit & rubs against my teeth. It feels foreign & like it doesn't belong in my mouth. I'm so incredibly frustrated, especially now that treatment is finished. I can't find any information regarding the link between chemo & a swollen tongue, only that iron & B12 deficiency or fungal infection can cause a swollen tongue. My GP put me on 5 days of lozenges to treat a fungal infection & they did nothing. At this point, anyone who has experienced the same and/or could give me some information, would be so much appreciated.

Hi Tracey, I havent had this trouble but did have several hundred mouth ulcers, over 10 months of chemo. Nothing seemed to work and the salt water washes seemed to benefit the most, but ring your breast cancer nurse and get advice. What an awful feeling, it must make eating, swallowing and talking difficult. You may have something not associated with chemo- I get really annoyed when we get "normal " other illnesses or conditions, it is simply not fair!! Perhaps it is more the teeth, gums, jaw joint causing the trouble? With today being a holiday it is hard to seek professional help but get in touch with someone tomorrow, first thing. Your comfort, especially after completing chemo, is the most important thing just now. Xx Mandy

So sorry to hear of this ailment with your tongue. I will be praying it settles completely and you can start to move forward to full health. Love & smiles to you xxx

Hi Tracey You mentioned that the nurses, oncologist and GP are perplexed. perhaps you could consult a dentist? It may be something completely un related to chemo. My dentist is a key player in my treatment team. Dentists are responsible for complete oral health including the tongue and if they don't know they may be able to refer you to an ENT or oral surgeon. Might be worth a try. I hope it gets better soon. All the best. Nadine

Thank you for the suggestion Nadine. Definitely due for a dental appointment so I'm going to prioritise it.

Tracey_Dwyer

Member

10 years ago

Swollen tongue persisting a month & half after end of chemo!

Chemo finished 17 November 2015 - 4 x fortnightly AC followed by 12 x weekly taxol. The swollen tongue got worse after each dose of AC until it just didn't go away after the third dose. It has had the nurses, oncologist & GP perplexed. The swelling eased somewhat shortly after end of chemo. I then had 4 weeks radiation starting a week after taxol finished & my tongue swelled again on the second last day of radiation (which was on my breast)???? It gets sore on the sides because its too big to fit & rubs against my teeth. It feels foreign & like it doesn't belong in my mouth. I'm so incredibly frustrated, especially now that treatment is finished.

I can't find any information regarding the link between chemo & a swollen tongue, only that iron & B12 deficiency or fungal infection can cause a swollen tongue. My GP put me on 5 days of lozenges to treat a fungal infection & they did nothing.

At this point, anyone who has experienced the same and/or could give me some information, would be so much appreciated.