 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Hi Karen,
Swallowing regularly is very important or he will lose his ability to swallow altogether. This is a very unforgiving treatment. Likewise with stretching the mouth opening or he will get severe trismus. Have him yawn with his mouth open as wide as he can.
Does he drink coffee or tea? Maybe you could leave a pot of this for him to sip on while you are away. If you set a drink by where you watch TV, you are likely to sip at it. Could also be a pticher of water, apple juice, whatever he can get down via mouth. Keeps the swallowing mechanism working and helps with hydration.
Take care,
Eileen
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Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
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