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Late effects of radiation to tonsil/tongue: What are your food tips?

Posted by Julie @mrsfootdoc, Sep 13 9:28pm

I am 18 years out from stage lV tonsil and tongue cancer with involved lymph nodes. Several years before I experienced cancer I had gastric bypass surgery. At that time the procedure was to remove total stomach. I cannot swallow, the muscles in my throat paralyzed from radiation damage. Acute autoimmune herpes in mouth with painful ulcers last 4 years. More trouble swallowing my saliva, what little I have. Done to 90 pounds. I just can’t stand those milkshake like boost. So I would like to ask if anyone knows about - high calorie-high protein with vitamins. I can still get mashed potatoes down. I will cool whole turkey just to get gravy. I think I am coming to the end but willing to try anything. Those milk thick drinks just sit in my “pouch” ! Any idea would be appreciated! Julie Hart

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josk | @josk | Sep 23 1:56pm
In reply to @krisohlson "In 2023 I started getting fevers and checked myself in to the hospital in Corvallis OR..." + (show)
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In 2023 I started getting fevers and checked myself in to the hospital in Corvallis OR (a low of 128 lbs). Two groups of doctors were arguing for and against a G-tube installation. When they removed my food, the fevers stopped. Thus, food aspiration was the cause, and a G-tube was installed. Later it changed to a PEG which I prefer. Until I can get my swallowing restored, I will be on a PEG. Now I am 142 lbs and I work out 3 days a week. I really miss eating especially during the holidays. When we travel and my wife and I go out to a restaurant she eats and I feed. It is not what I prefer but it is life.

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@krisohlson love your sense of humour ... even though you just "feed" !!

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tri327dent | @tri327dent | Sep 25 1:26pm

I don't know if this will help in any way, however, here goes. For the first year after my surgery, I could only consume Complete through a direct stomach tube and then slowly I could drink thin liquids and eventually I moved to pureed dark green vegetables with some protein powder and water, three times a day.
I still drink a couple of tetra packs of Complete a day, often with some soft sandwiches.
May your challenge still allow you some quality in life.

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healthydeb | @healthydeb | Sep 26 7:20am

Try using a high speed blend to liquify foods. It does not work with meats so I’d avoid those. You can put into proteins silica as scrambled or soft cooked eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt for protein and add your powdered supplements. Good luck and try to think positive. Gentle exercises and walking if possible. Keep your muscles stimulated.

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healthydeb | @healthydeb | Sep 26 7:20am
In reply to @healthydeb "Try using a high speed blend to liquify foods. It does not work with meats so..." + (show)
Profile picture for healthydeb @healthydeb

Try using a high speed blend to liquify foods. It does not work with meats so I’d avoid those. You can put into proteins silica as scrambled or soft cooked eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt for protein and add your powdered supplements. Good luck and try to think positive. Gentle exercises and walking if possible. Keep your muscles stimulated.

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@healthydeb should read blender

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