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.

Two years out I can eat anything. Some of my tastes have changed but overall i can eat a wide range of foods.

I was diagnosed and treated in 2008. I received 33 radiation and 6 chemo treatments. I have swallowing difficulties which hit me sometime after the 10 year mark. I do avoid some foods at this point (rice is the biggest culprit), but pretty much eat everything (with care). I need more liquid to pass food, chew a lot longer and it sometimes takes be twice as long to finish a meal. I've also learned that eating and talking are kind of opposing forces at this point.

In saying this, all is good after 17 years.

I suggest you look on the web for swallowing exercises and start now. The effect of radiation builds over time, so exercises and preventive therapies will most likely help.

Be well.

I'm 19 years out and things have gotten better. 41 rounds of radiation along with 6 chemo treatments, followed by surgery have made eating more difficult. I still can't swallow very well but I've become accustomed to what I need to do to eat. Cake crumbs and apple skins were my biggest threat in the beginning. The risk of inhaling them was always present. I've recovered most of my taste, but everything is a little more bland these days. All food is washed down with water, and gravy is a big help. Where I used to be the first to finish, I am now the last one done. You'll find your way through it all, and time will make it less significant.

This is so good to hear. I'm one year out and just now starting to have swallowing difficulties. It's an aweful feeling. I still have my feeding tube and can't eat anything. It's even gotten worse trying to swallow water the last few weeks. The more physical therapy I do the worse it seems to get .For the moment coping with a big fibrosis flare up and doc put me on steroids. All this is not really helping much. I'm just about to give up and so disappointed. Just don't know what to do anymore. Any suggestions?