Week 5 is now complete. 1 more to go. To be honest I feel fortunate to feel as well as I do right now. Pain is still a major issue to deal with along with increased secretions. I am still at a total of 7 pounds lost over 5 weeks(3.5% of total) and now feed daily through tube. 5 cans of Jevity 1.5 and normally 1 of Myoplex (for protein). I am able to drink > 80 oz. of water each day by mouth and finish the day with an 800 calorie milkshake by mouth. I made the choice to use the tube after a discussion with my nutritionist last week. The number of calories is extremely important balanced out with the need to exercise the muscles in the throat. I was not able to get enough calories with what I was able to eat and the effort to force food down was counter productive. Through tx I have been able to take all water, Kefir probiotics, ice cream and milkshakes by mouth. I have performed all exercises my speech therapist gave me and I received her blessing to go with the feeding tube since throat muscles were being used and exercises followed.

I am working through the secretions by rinsing with Biotene every 2 hours. The first few times I did this were not pleasant but you get used to the feeling and now it is easy.

I am still managing pain with Oxycodone 15 mg every 3 to 4 hours. Done with Fentanyl patches. Wednesday I went back to the 25(s) and Thursday had panicked breathing, nausea, drowsiness and loss of appetite. Friday I removed the patch and Dr. said some people have difficulty with that drug if they have no previous pain med usage.

At this point in Tx I am thankful for thoughts and prayers - this has kept me ahead of the curve and motivated to do everything necessary to be successful. Follow the recommendations of your Dr. and suggestions from this group proactively and you will prevent unnecessary setbacks.