Hi sr,
it is indeed hard on you to see what your mum is going through and Ican well relate to it as I have not eaten solids in well over four an half years. I was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx in April 2000 - refused surgery and opted just for radiation and chemo. Unfortunately I received an overdose of radiation leading to a fistula between my wind and food pipe. Though I have my voice and have been declared cancer free - the peg feed has very much become a part of my life and no longer crave for anything of the past. I just learnt to accept my fate and fight as hard as I could.

I honestly pray that your mother will be able to eat normally again an it is quite usual that after radiation it becomes a nightmare to take in solids. I recall using large amounts of xylocaine spray to numb my mouth before eatin anything solid. You could ask the treating doctor if that is advisable for her.

Please do not hestitate to contact me if you feel I could be of some help.

Tak care,
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Ananth - 47 years - diagnosed with cancer of the larynx in April 2000 in its final stage - 4. Refused surgery and managed to mantain/retain my voice. Though still have side effects- was declared totally cancer free in January 2004.