Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)    Joined:  Aug 2003  Posts: 1,627  |    Kellie, Tell her not to worry about working with the tube, it's amazing how we can make it all work out.  I coached all my teams with the tube, I just tucked it into the waistband of my pants.  Some people taped it to their stomachs, which is another great idea.  I would do a can before leaving for work and take a break at the half way point and either go sit in the car or in the bathroom to add some more into the tube.  I used a syringe to feed, I didn't hang a bag or anything like that.  I would put the tip of the syringe in the tube and fill the tube with food, letting it go in however fast I wanted it to.  Lift and lower the syringe to slow or speed it up.  I spent days at Busch Gardens while I was still dependent on the tube.  I have always used a back pack instead of a pocket book so a few cans of food fit just fine.  I also always kept some in my car for emergencies.  It's sort of like packing an adult diaper bag, you have to think ahead! Your sister can return to work with a tube, it just takes some simple planning. Minnie        
SCC Left Mandible. Jaw replaced with bone from leg. Neck disection, 37 radiation treatments. Recurrence 8-28-07, stage 2, tongue. One third of tongue removed 10-4-07. 5-23-08 chemo started for tumor behind swallowing passage, Our good friend and much loved OCF member Minnie has been lost to the disease (RIP 10-29-08). We will all miss her greatly.
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