Hi, after the initial surgery plus 2 weeks of intense direct radiation I had slight discomfort. I was still able to eat burger and fries :)! However, starting week 3 the increased pain journey began. I went on a feeding tube, that same week, because I could no longer eat. That was a good thing because there was no way I was to get anything of protein value down my throat. I live alone so at 65, weak from no nutrition and 60 plus lbs of weight loss I needed help, so I was put in hospital for 5 weeks. I had the tube put in Feb 2017 and removed Oct 2017. I said it was time to
move on and my nutritionist agreed. I stated in a previous email that my swallowing must be thought through before I swallow anything. Also, I can't eat everything only stuff that is soft/mushy. My saliva glans are fried so additional liquid is necessary. You get used to it and move on. I am still alive and very thankful one day at a time. God Bless and Good Luck!

Hi Paul,
Thanks for asking. I can’t really complain, all things considered. In 2009, I’m diagnosed with stage IV Oral cancer at age 54, I was not sure I would see my next birthday. It’s not something anyone wants to hear, but I consider myself blessed, and not lucky to still be here. I can tell you now after 12 years my bottom teeth started to erode. My top teeth are fine. I’m guessing it’s due to the targeted radiation of my lower jaw bone. Anyway, there was enough tooth to crown them all, I just hope they don’t continue eroding underneath the crowns. If so, I will just have to go to plan B. For those suffering with dry mouth, I find Xylimelts and Therabreath
lozenges the work best for me. Just one Therabreath lozenger will keep me from having to sip a drink for an hour or more. I like that the Therabreath lozenges are individually wrapped. I use the Xylimelts for when I go to bed. I still have some trouble swallowing food due to the lack of saliva. So long as I have mashed potatoes I can eat anything, including a tenderloin. I hope this information will help someone out there. I wish this group was available to me when I went through my ordeal. If it was nobody told me about it. I think we can all learn from someone that may have walked that road before. Best wishes to all in the New Year.