Hi to all,

Just a quick up date. I had PEG tube removed today. Had it for almost 9 mo. The procedure was not what I thought it would be. Talk about a surpise ! I thought they would use some special tool. NO! They just pulled it out! It did hurt for a minute but all is fine now.

Now I know from reading here that I must really work at my eating and liquid intake. I am going to keep an eye on my weight.

Next visit for me is in Sept. with Oncologist. Then in Dec. with Head & Neck Surgeon.

I am at 6 Months:
I still have stiff neck R-Side, along with no feelings there and right shoulder.
Sometimes I feel like my head is pulling to one side.
My saliva is very little. Still dry mouth.
Need to work on building body strength.(later)
Still get tired, so I rest.

Well, that is it for me. So I will just continue to wait for the changes to happen one day at a time!
take care,
Diane

Great news Diane... I bet it felt really good to get rid of that old thing!
Onward and upward now.
Take care
Marica

Diane,

Congratulations on another step in your recovery. I know it seems slow going sometimes, but I'm sure you'll keep seeing improvements as you go along.

There are lots of suggestions on this site for soft, mushy foods that can help you with your nutrition at this stage. (Your blender can be your best friend.)

Do you have a physical therapist that can help work on the stiffness in your neck? This has been a problem for many of us, but therapy often helps if you can find a PT that works with post-radiation patients. Also, you may well find that the feeling gradually comes back. I thought I would never lose the numbness in my neck and jaw area, but I was amazed that eventually all the nerves seemed to grow back and I got to the point where the sensations in that spot went back to "normal".

Your salivary function may also improve with time. In the meantime, try to do what you can to keep your mouth moist, as it will help with your overall dental health. Medications like Salagen or Evoxac may be worth trying (if you haven't already), and the Biotene products can be a real help as well.

Good luck, and keep us posted as you continue to recover.

Cathy

Good going, Diane! Here are a couple of suggestions to boost your nutritional intake. Add Egg Beaters [never raw eggs] to soups and veggies. Add powdered milk to soups and sauces, add a little wheat germ to the things you eat. Welches Concord Grape Juice has 170 cals. and is a healthy drink. Hook up with a physical therapist when you can. Amy

Diane, congratulations on a big step forward. I hope the Doctor cautioned you about being
VERY careful about lifting anything. It is so easy to get a hernia at the site of the peg tube. Just take it very easy and let things heal. Gradaully you will get use to taking everything by mouth. One meal at a time and snacks in between. Others have given you good suggestions for good nutrition suppliments. Enjoy and congratulations on your progress.
Hacklene

Hi All,

Amy,
Thank you for the information on food intake. I have been eating the last few months with the feeding tube as an extra. Now I will be eating and drinking ensure or something like that to help out. I will be eating every 2 or 3 hours. I found it was easier for me that way do to the saliva shortage.

Cathy, no I do not have a therapist at this time. I will ask about one in Sept. at next appointment. The nerves on my neck are very tender still. I have been doing stretches and warm packs due to loss of neck muscles from surgery.

Hacklene, Thank you for the heads up on lifting anything. I am taking it easy for a few days for that to heal. I know I am making slow progress but I also know not to over due it too!

I am hoping in a few weeks I can go see my mother. It is a 3 hour drive from here. I usally spend a week with her. We will see?

bye take care
Diane