Karen, Bob didn't have surgery or a peg tube. He had four weeks of radiation once a day and two weeks of radiation twice a day., Chemo was given on first day, twenty first day and last day of radiation then two sessions of chemo for five days every three weeks. He got so sick that they didn't give him a third session. His radiation ended in December and chemo in January.
He coughed and choked for a long time but that has lessened in the past three months. He would love to drink water but everything has to be nectar thick.
In April while recovering from the treatments he developed pnemonia and had a heart attack. so he has been a very sick man. he went from 170 down to 125. He is just starting to get stronger and gain weight. He has gained about 1-1 1/2 pounds a week in the last 12 weeks. I read that if you are under weight and under nourished, you need about 3000=3500 calories a day and 100 grams of protein. I give him protein powder in his drinks to increase the amount of protein in his diet.
While on home care from the heart attack, he received in home swallowing therapy. It was this therapist who recommended Vital Stim. Doctors never mentioned it but did give me a prescription for it when I requested it. If you can find a hospital near you that does Vital Stim, You can go to one of their doctors for the prescription if you had to. While doing this therapy, they tell him to clear his throat and swallow before he takes food or liquid.
I use Ensure with instant breakfast, ice cream or protein powder to make the drinks 600-700 calories with what ever he is eating.
This has been a long road to travel but we are seeing improvement every day. I hope this Vital Stim works for him so that he can eat regular food again. Eileen


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