Tami, I cleaned out some messages in my private messages so you shouldn't have that problem again. Also, sent you a pm.

I still have the stent in my throat and will see the docs in Boston on Monday to talk about when it gets taken out and what I can expect after. Right now I'm doing pretty well with it although the surgery where they opened my esophagus and perforated it (followed by a collapsed lung and insertion of a chest tube in the recovery room) and then the stent surgery really had me hurting and exhuasted for several weeks following it. I seem to have gotten my strenght back and although the stent sometimes caused discomfort, it is managable.

They said it had to be in at least 8 weeks but I'm going to ask if it can stay in longer, partly because mid-October (which would be about 12 weeks) would be a better time in my work schedule to have more surgery but partly because the thoracic surgeon suggested that as long as it's in, my throat won't close up again, and that could be a good thing.

As for my swallowing, I am able to swallow (liquids) again but I feel like I'm taking big gulps and am taking small sips and am still not anywhere near swalowing enough volume to get off the PEG. But it's progress.

Nelie