Hello, My mum is nearly four weeks post radiation and chemo to treat her oropharyngeal cancer. She is having trouble eating because when she tries, she chokes and coughs. I believe some food particles were even entering her lungs. I am wondering if this is normal and what she can do to help get food down? Thanks

Welcome to OCF! Eating after radiation for oral cancer can be very difficult. Many patients end up needing a feeding tube during or after their treatments. Your mother should get evaluated right away with a barium swallow test. This will show exactly where the foods and liquids go when your mother eats. It can be a dangerous situation when food and/or liquids end up in the patients lungs. Its called aspirating and can cause pneumonia.

Welcome to the family. ChristineB is right, aspiration pneumonia can be very dangerous. If you are concerned, check your mother's temperature every now and then. Four weeks out may be a bit earlier to be eating and drinking. The body is still forming scars from the radiation at this point. If she can take small sips, have her do that but let her take most of her nutrition by PEG tube if she has one. But tell her that it is extremely important to do her swallowing exercises everyday. They will keep the swallowing muscles intact. At this point, I would talk to the RO or MO and let them know I am concerned. Have them refer your mom for a barium swallowing test. These tests may take some time to arrange.

Agreeing with both of the above. Also maybe try and give her thickened foods and drinks. This makes it easier to swallow. Boost or a power shake that will give her nutrition but is easier to swallow. He throat is burned from the radiation and the muscles at this point don't work all that well. But do have her swallowing evaluated, hugs and good luck.