Do I Dare Ask?

Dear Al Gil,
After three Swallow Studies, a year of doing tongue/throat exercises, and much patience, the answer is "yes." It takes a good while for everything to go back to near normal--I could not speak, eat or drink for approximately one year. Now, a few years later, it is hard to remember those times. Maybe the brain blocks out the negativity...Also, check into using a "Red-Light Therapy Wand." I waved one around inside the throat area for many months and do believe it helped. You will find these devices are very inexpensive online. Best wishes to you.

I had 30 rounds of radiation and finished July 2023. It was a struggle to eat during radiation and a few months after and I FORCED myself. I lost appetite and everything had no taste. I ate soft creamy foods for about 3 months once radiation stopped and then slowly back to normal foods. Crunchy sharp food items hurt on the way down. One year out of treatment I could eat and drink about anything I wanted. My taste buds were back to about 90% , My throat mucositis has almost gone away, Saliva production 90% and My stamina is back to about 90. Two years out now today and I can eat ANYTHING.. Hang in there. Spicy foods are waiting! God Speed

Hey Al,
As for me it took approximately one year before I could eat oatmeal. I ate oatmeal 3 times a day for about a year and then country gravy turned into my friend. I started eating solid foods smothered with country gravy. I mean I ate more country gravy and oatmeal within a two year period than I think I ate in my lifetime.
I used country gravy on hamburger, steak, beef tips, eggs, potatoes, hash brown, anything I liked had country gravy on it…by the way, I never was a fan of country gravy before cancer!
Anyway, I’m heading towards 9 years post treatments and I still have to be very careful about eating. When I’m alone I try not to eat because of the chocking that frequently occur.
When you do try to eat make sure you take a deep breath before attempting to swallow the well chewed food. This way if it gets stuck you have air in your lungs to push it out! I have had many close calls!
One time I thought it was the end when all at once our Dutch Shepherd came running into the kitchen and launched his front feet into causing the food to shoot out….whether you’re a believer or not I believe Devine intervention occurred!
Anyway I’ve been thinking of purchasing that device for chocking, I can never remember the name of it when I try to find it? You may want to invest in one if you happen to stumble across it.
Fight the good fight,
Jody

Thank you,
I will look into the red light therapy.

Thanks Jody,
It's a long struggle but I believe it will get better. Keep that beautiful dog.

Thank you for those encouraging words.