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SCC HPV+ on right tonsil and nodes treatment plan.
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Mar 29, 2023 | Replies (41)Comment receiving replies
No cancer surgery, they said I had too much cancer. My throat shut down due to radiation treatments.
Use your throat as much as possible because your throat muscles can actually forget how to function and like a baby you have to learn how to swallow food again.
My epiglottis is barely functioning so I choke on food very easily. I found that gravy helps food go down easier. I have eaten more country gravy and oatmeal in the past 6 years than in my lifetime! I had my feeding tube for several months after treatments. I finally realized that I had to get the tube removed and force myself to eat!
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Mojo244, I can relate. I did not realize that I began not to swallow several months after treatment ended, Nov 2021, & developed severe Radiation Fibrosis (scare tissue). Epiglottis is not functioning and given tumor on base of left side of tongue, that is not functioning as best as possible. Have speech therapist now; never offered during treatment. Had tube immediately removed. However, over time, I puree everything which makes eating slightly easier. Had esophagus stretched twice but 2nd time not as successful. May have to have tube again to ensure nutrition & to regain weight, which despite hi-protein/calorie shakes + eating, is not adding pounds as hoped. I too add gravy, cream soups and applesauce on many things to make it easier to swallow. Any other suggestions welcomed