How many of you have done/are doing therapy for swallowing? At what point in tx did you begin the therapy?

I met today with a Speech pathologist to have my swallowing checked pre-tx (passed water and pudding - failed cracker - we'll do the modified barium swallow next time)and learn some tongue/swallowing/mouth exercises.

I told the therapist about this group - she said she'd be interested to know from a mixed group like this when people were most likely to have been referred to a therapist, what they did, and what they thought of the process and results.

If you could/would share, I'd be grateful.

In my area, the therapist said that even 1.5 years ago, nearly 100% of H&N cancer patients she saw were referred to her after dificulties had set in, and she saw nearly no patients on a pro-active basis to try to lessen (or avoid) difficulties.

Thanks for any help you can give,

- Pam