Ahn,

I included a note about my cancer in my signature. I had Stage IV SCCA with a primary tumor in the gums, right mandible. Following surgery that included a radical neck dissection in 12/02, I had 7 weeks of radiation therapy ending 3/03. I guess I had the old-fashioned radiation.

After coming home from surgery, 17 days in the hospital, I drank 5 cans of Nutren 2.0 (500 calories each) per day. In a few weeks, I added high protien and high calorie shakes (ice cream, protien powder, fruit).

Radiation gave me a nasty case of mucositis and My taste buds were shot, so I didn't care much about real food. My primary concern was nutrition, and I think i did OK.

It was six months or so after radiation before I could eat "real food." I started with chunky soups, fruit, oatmeal and the like. I had to get used to chewing without any teeth on the right side.

Now, I eat pretty much everything I want, as long as it isn't spicy. I can't chew a steak, but I can handle oso bucco. I have rediscovered seafood, and I love artisan cheeses.

I hope your husband can be patient during these difficult times. If he hasn't tried Nutren 2.0, he might want to give it a try. I ordered it from my pharmacist. Decent flavour and cheaper by the case than the 200 calorie Ensure they sell off the shelf.

Good luck to you both. Real food is coming. It just might take a little longer than he would like.

Ken