I probably lost about 30 pounds but I have gained ten+ back. I was overweight before I went into treatment, so I am pretty comfortable with what I weigh now. I try to eat things that are relatively high in fat. They seem to be easier to get down, and I eat pretty small portions. I do make a shake everyday with a can of Ensure plus (Kroger's has a house brand that is cheaper than Ensure and it seems to have the same nutrients), a banana, and a big scoop of "good" ice cream. I also eat a lot of yogurt, and I like to have a snack of Ovaltine every so often. I also try to take a multivitamin every day.


Female, nonsmoker, 70, diag. 5/09 after tongue biopsy: stage IV. Left hemi-gloss. and left selec. neck disec. 30 lymph nodes removed May 20. Over 7 weeks daily rads. with three chemo. PEG removed 12/4/09 Am eating mostly soft foods. Back to work 11/09 Retired 4/1/11. 7 clear scans! Port out 9/11. 2/13. It's back: base of tongue, very invasive
surgery involving lifestyle changes. 2/14: Now speaking w/Passey-Muir valve. Considering a swallow study. Grateful to be alive.