Healing process after throat cancer treatments: What to expect?

Hi Everyone! My 35 radiation and 7 chemo treatments ended January 18, 2024. I had a feeding tube and port installed prior to treatments starting. I was hospitalized for 5 days w/pneumonia Jan 10-15, but was still able to finish treatment. I'm grateful I had my tube as many mentioned it was essential for nutrition and medicine. I started right away in February working on swallowing...it was definitely a 4 month transition ( a few complications in there) and the onset of lymphedema in my neck. I got a compression suit for daily 32 minute lymph massage I do every morning. My swallowing is SO MUCH BETTER! Still smaller bites and a lot of chewing- but, I've gained back 5 of 30 lbs. I lost. My stamina and creativity are back, as is my appetite. My palette is still not quite right (still can't do hot peppers or peppery seasonings) but I just persevere and try to eat stuff! All the physical stuff ya just do what ya can and keep trying. Keeping your mental game positive can be more challenging...some days I'm just tired of being in warrior mode. Time passing and small changes make a huge difference. I feel lucky that I've always been a cup half full girl and have great loving, supportive relationships that simply make my life full. Wishing the best for you- it'll get better!

@nlovejoy Good to hear he’s able to drink as for me it was many months before I could drink. I had the feeding tube for nearly a year! I was finally able to get oatmeal down my throat and I ate oatmeal 3 times per day for about a year. I’m 8 1/2 years out now and I still have to be very careful with eating and I try to avoid eating much more than oatmeal or scrambled eggs if I’m alone; I’ve had some close calls!
Plenty of liquids with meals, in fact, I drink so much that I get cold.
Hang in there and fight the good fight!
MOJO

I don't know anything about the chemo required in your case. As a person with cancer, I personally believe that the doctors know how to stop cancer, and I don't. I had 6 chemo treatments doxorubicin to enhance 35 radiation treatments. I finished one month ago. I am glad I trusted my oncology team.