My ENT said that an occasional beer wouldn't hurt, but I prefer not to take the chance. I am two years out and even a little bit of communion wine bothered my mouth. Last New Years' Eve I had a coffee with a little kalua with cream, and the cream seemed to counteract the alcohol burn, but that's all I have had. I do miss having a glass of wine on occasion, but as David said, I prefer breathing.

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.