Hi Tami,

1) I am not sure there really is a one case fits all for any of this. Even with IMRT, depending on exactly where the tumor is, the muscles and nerves used for swallowing could have received damage from the radiation. Some people can swallow sooner than others. I did not have IMRT but was swallowing most of the time at 4 weeks out yet at other times the food just stopped and the body forced a sneeze reaction that spewed the food out of my nose. I warned everyone to sit elsewhere when they parked across from me.

2) My blood pressure is typically 114/76 and was way below that for over a year. My temp also stayed around 97 after chemo for over a year and a half. At about the same time (4 wks) I blacked out many times when I stood up because of the blood pressure and even had the Doppler done on the carotids with no blockage noted.

3) A second opinion for peace of mind should be encouraged by any doctor. MD Anderson would certainly facilitate that process. Doubts at this point in the process will not magically disappear.

I, personally, chose no surgery even though the risks were there. I had scans during treatment and the tumors were gone before the treatment ended. I don't know if that was a good or bad decision and will never know but I decided that anyway.

I hope your mother appreciates all you are doing for her. I know it is tough so far away but at times like this we just do what we can. I am hoping for a speedy recovery for her.

Ed