Laryngeal cancer (recurrence)

Hi Jeff!! Thank you again for your input and your advice and support throughout my laryngectomy ordeal. I'm on my way to healing and adjusting to a little different lifestyle. I thought maybe I could get some advice or tips on recovery. Right now swallowing is my issue. I'm getting soft foods down but it's not that enjoyable. I just want to swallow normally again . Does anybody know if it just takes a little time?? It seems to be getting better. It's only been 72 hours since I had my feeding tube removed and my swallow test. Maybe I'm just too impatient. Thanks for the well wishes. If anybody has any tips for me please reply. I'd appreciate them.

Hey Mark, just checking in. A few more days have passed since you last wrote. Are things getting better with swallowing, mucus control and eating?

Hi Coleen. Well its been just about a week post feeding tube removed. Liquids are much better but solids take some effort. It kinda makes you lose your appetite. I know I have to keep my strength up so I force it down. I can only hope it gets better with time. Lot of mucous. Started taking Mucinex today. Hopefully that will help. Thank you so much for your concern Colleen. I appreciate it!! Mark

Hi Mark, I was going to suggest juicing. It works great. I did it in the machine that makes the juice totally liquid. I had my little recipe that I will share. It has been seven years and I stoped juicing about two years ago, when my machine went kaput and I kind of forgot about it. Everything I put in there was organic, so it is a little expensive, but I am worth it. One apple, one lemon, three stacks celery, seven kale leafs, half a cucumber, a piece of curcuma root and a piece of ginger. I think it will help with the mucus too. I never saved it in the fridge. Right from the juicer, and like medicine, down my throat. I also suggest avocado. It is soft and very rich in many good things. Cuddled eggs also. I used to have a very large syringe with a tube and I would put the food in the back of my throat so I could pass it easer. I am remembering things I had forgotten. It was a tough time, but here I am, happy as a clam. My best to you, Loli

Thank you for the tips Loli!! I'd haveto go out and purchase a juicer and all those organic foods. Its only been a week so I'm going to see what happens. I think my swallowing will get better. I hope it will anyhow. They keep telling me time and patience. Thank you for your input !! We'll see wgat happens. Mark
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Patience isn't easy, Mark. You might appreciate this discussion on Connect
- Juicing - Why would I want to try it? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/juicing-why-would-i-want-to-try-it/

@loli, do you remember sharing all your great tips on juicing back in 2017 in that discussion? Wow.

Mark, we all ate ice cream, popcycles, ice, pudding, baked custard, etc. You're normal. I just wanted to SEE someone who had been through it. Where do you live? Happy to meet you for ice cream when you are in JAX. I always wear a mask, however...ha
Take care. You are over the worst.
Mary Helen Duggar

Thank you Mary. Yes, I've been enjoying chocolate malts. Im anxious to get back to the foods I love like burgers, pizza, tacos, gyros and whatever. I don't think I can handle them yet as I'm only one week into this new way of swallowing. I'm from Kenosha, Wisc. and a snowbird (February, March and April) in the Ft. Myers area. Thank you for the words of encouragement Mary Helen!!! Mark.

@msherfinski, how is it going with 2 weeks behind you now?

Hi Colleen. I'm doing okay with the swallowing,. Liquids are much easier but solids are still an effort. I'm hoping it will just get better. My biggest problem right now is my swollen jowls. Its been a month since I had my second emergency surgery. June 9th while in the hospital for laryngectomy, a blood clot burst and they had to go in to stop the bleeding. After 4 units of blood. they fixed the problem but my neck is still quite swollen. Kinda looks like a squirrel gathering nuts. Hoping every morning it will go down, but to no avail. They just keep telling me time. Very frustrating!! Has anybody else ever have that problem?? I think Edema may have something to do with it. Thanks for your concern Colleen!! Mark
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