I've had my tube out for four weeks and I seemed happy with my swallowing however this past week it has gotten so much worse. every swallow is painful and trying to eat anything is almost impossible. I have been on capasol and nystatin four times a day with little results seen by me. I've been using a lidoc/ Maalox to try and numb the throat so I can swallow but not much success. I had 7 weeks of chemotherapy radiation therapy for stage four bot squamous cancer. How long will this go on please

emarshall55, how long has it been since th end of treatment? Did you have a swallowing test before your tube was removed?

Welcome to OCF. Congrats on finishing the brutal treatments! How long have you been thru with your treatments?

Recovery can be a very long difficult road. Its full of ups and downs with setbacks thrown in every so often. The one thing that will help you recover the quickest is focusing on your intake. I know right now you are having a hard time with this. I completely understand! Ive been there and struggled too. If you are taking nystatin that sounds like you have thrush which can be quite painful and is very common in recovering patients. Keep using the magic mouthwash (lidocain and maylox mixture) prior to eating to help you manage to get things down.

Your situation can quickly turn into a major problem. It still happens to me, my intake isnt the best which leads me to dehydration and malnutrition. The end result of this for me is a trip to the ER, possibly a couple overnights in the hospital until Im back on track. This is why I stress so often with newer members to focus on what is truly within your control... your intake. Every single day you should be pushing yourself to take in at the very least 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water. If you can push more calories (3000, 3500 or even 4000 daily) that will only make your recovery easier. You can also ask your doc if its ok to add high protein whey powder to your diet. Protein helps to speed heeling.

After what your body has been thru with rads and chemo, it takes it a while to bounce back. Radiation keeps on working well after you have completed your treatments. My doc told me to expect one month of recovery for every week of rads. Thru this forum Ive learned a total recovery takes a full 2 years. Many patients will notice improvements in their sense of taste and ability to eat here and there until about the 2 year mark. To answer your question, most patients are doing much better about 3 or 4 months post rads, some patients take longer to feel better like 6 or 8 months. I know its frustrating!!! The treatments and side effects are horrendous and then to be feeling lousy weeks after finishing really stinks. Hang in there, the worst really is behind you.

Best wishes!