← Return to Healing process after throat cancer treatments: What to expect?

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Hi Everyone! My 35 radiation and 7 chemo treatments ended January 18, 2024. I had a feeding tube and port installed prior to treatments starting. I was hospitalized for 5 days w/pneumonia Jan 10-15, but was still able to finish treatment. I'm grateful I had my tube as many mentioned it was essential for nutrition and medicine. I started right away in February working on swallowing...it was definitely a 4 month transition ( a few complications in there) and the onset of lymphedema in my neck. I got a compression suit for daily 32 minute lymph massage I do every morning. My swallowing is SO MUCH BETTER! Still smaller bites and a lot of chewing- but, I've gained back 5 of 30 lbs. I lost. My stamina and creativity are back, as is my appetite. My palette is still not quite right (still can't do hot peppers or peppery seasonings) but I just persevere and try to eat stuff! All the physical stuff ya just do what ya can and keep trying. Keeping your mental game positive can be more challenging...some days I'm just tired of being in warrior mode. Time passing and small changes make a huge difference. I feel lucky that I've always been a cup half full girl and have great loving, supportive relationships that simply make my life full. Wishing the best for you- it'll get better!

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Replies to "Hi Everyone! My 35 radiation and 7 chemo treatments ended January 18, 2024. I had a..."

@lollie
Glad you are getting better. My experience was/is much like yours. One caution is that you may
not get back to spicy foods. At over 5 years out they are still in the avoid at all costs category for me. It's tricky as they often are in things you would not suspect. Good luck.