However long it takes, continue to use the peg, but exercise the mouth, dry swallow, if you can swallow liquids, even better. You should be able to eat a week or two without the the peg, maintain adequate weight, before abadoning the peg. I didn't force myself. I knew when it was time, and was motivated to do it, and was probably at 3 months, but was no full meal. Probably my fullest meal was at 8 months on Thansgivjng. Take your time, small bites, easy to eat foods. Just as they say your tongue, swallowing muscles can lose its memory, the same memory can help recover what is lost from non use like any other muscle not used in a while.


10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs