Philip, welcome to OCF!

Many OC patients struggle to regain their ability to eat and drink after going thru treatments. It can take many months to see any progress which can be very discouraging to the patient. Its best to have a barium swallow test to ensure he is physically able to swallow without aspirating.

The best thing your brother can do for himself is to focus on his intake. Every single day he should be taking in at least 2500 calories and 48 oz of water. This needs to continue until at the least he hits his first year post treatment. His body has been thru the war and it takes lots of fuel to rebuild it. A complete recovery can take all of 2 full years. Many patients will be much better about 6 months post tx but continue to see improvements in their sense of taste, ability to swallow and fatigue up until about the 2 year mark. But always remember, everyone is different and will adjust at their own pace.

Best wishes to your brother with his continued recovery.

Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile