So I went to see my wonderful RO and he is going to arrange with the Speech Pathologist for some sort of swallowing test which uses contrast - but not barium - to get a baseline.

They have suggested exercise (swallowing, talking and physio) as well as massage to try to stem the effects of fibrosis. I have prescriptions for the massage and physio.

Here is a wierd question. When my daughter's friends were taking physiotherapy, they were advised to NOT do massage on cancer areas as said massage will activate/promote the cancer cells. I asked my RO about this and he said "There is no evidence (or did he say "definitive evidence" - can't remember) of any such thing.

My RO also said something about getting a "stent"??? He did manage to ease my fears about squeezed arteries, but all of a sudden I am wondering what the heck a stent is as it relates to my throat. I have heard of stents for heart problems...but for a throat??

Any feedback is appreciated.

P.S. Swallowing is getting worse - yesterday I aspirated a jujube into my left bronchia. I believe the candy is in my lung now - I didn't go to the hospital but just might. I remember when I was in the hospital I asked about aspiration and I was told that food items will - in time - dissolve, unless of course it is a large amount. I will keep on aye on this to make sure it doesn't turn into pneumonia.

Donna