Hi Kelly, this will be a tough couple of months for Mum and you as her support person. After week 2 or 3 she will really start to notice effects. Make sure that you have pain meds on hand for when she needs them. The throat and swallowing can become extremely painful. Many of these pain meds also cause constipation so have meds for those on hand too. The swallowing is incredibly important. She must continue to swallow . Those muscles can be lazy and very quickly forget how to work if not used. Despite the pain, do nc outage her to keep swallowing. Soft , slippery foods work best, like tinned peaches, poached eggs, custards. Make her smoothies that are high in protein and fat.muse full fat milks, yoghurts, ice creams, cream. Nut butters and whey or milk powder add extra protein. Flavour with fruits or chocolate or caramel sauce. Her tastes will change and she will complain that it all tastes like cardboard. Keep encouraging her to swallow, take adequate pain meds to do this. Have you discussed a feeding tube with her team? Most Patients do require this to ensure adequate nutrition, which is so important both for healing and to cope with treatments. Many lose a lot of weight during the treatment. Make sure Mum stays hydrated, also helps with constipation. Has she seen a dentist? Oral health is vital during treatments. Most patients develop Mucocitis - inflammation and breakdown of the mucous linings of the mouth and throat.oral thrush is another big problem that requires treating. I'm sorry this is such a list of what probably sounds like negative things, but they are the reality of treatments.
How lucky is your Mum to have you by her side. You are a wonderful Daughter. I wish you both well over the coming weeks.
Tammy


Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis
DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT.
PET 6/11 clear.
R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED
Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in.
March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!