I am a survivor of base of the tongue cancer diagnosed and treated in 2002. I had chemo, radiation and a radical neck. My wife monitored this site for me and we gained a lot of helpful knowledge. Once through with my treatment, we fell away because I was doing well.
I am back because I am now aspirating and had a bout with pneumonia. I am told I need a permanent feeding tube as my swallowing techniques are no longer viable. I am told that this is the result of the long term radiation effects.
I would like any input from old timers like me.

Welcome back, Johnnie. As you know, this site is full of some very helpful and wonderful people with much knowledge and experience to share. While I can't offer any advice on a permanent feeding tube, I would certainly recommend that you get a second and possibly even a third opinion before you commit to what one doctor has told you. The more experienced people around here will also probably tell you to get at least one of those opinions from a CCC (Comprehensive Cancer Center).

I'm sure others can offer more specific advice relating to your issues. Best wishes and best of luck to you.

Hello again Im sorry you have returned due to having post rad issues.

Aspiration pneumonia is common with OC radiated patients. It sounds like you have already been thru the testing. Just checking to make sure you have had a swallow test and consulted with a speech pathologist as well as a nutritionist? If not those are the avenues I would advise you to take.

Ive seen some OC patients who have lost their ability to swallow and been forced to become dependent on a permanent feeding tube. In time, they have been very successful living a quality life even with the tube.

Best wishes!

Johnnie, I am sorry to hear you are having swallowing issues. Depending on where you live, there are several swallowing boot camps that have popped up since your treatment plus some interesting options. Good luck.