I think you lot are expecting a bit much at two weeks post tx.

Robin had rads to both sides of his mouth and the floor.At two weeks post tx he had not one cm of lining in his mouth,that wasn't fried to a crisp, infected inch wide furrows down both sides of his tongue,thrush,sleeping 18 hours a day,and on more medication than i could fit in the cupboard.You all told me this was normal and would get worse before it got better,which it did for the next three weeks.I took complete charge of his nutrition and hydration via his PEG,and on some occasions he didnt even wake up when i gave him his feeds.Dead skin sloughed off his mouth,the grooves in his tongue started to heal,and the thrush cleared up.When all these issues were redressed we started on the eating and drinking.
A PEG at two weeks post tx isn't a crutch its a life saver if things are very badly burnt and you have had rads from all sides,so i would have to say that its too soon to start bullying,that justs puts stress in to the mix which you don't need,and can do more harm than good.

For those who managed without the PEG,i admire you and can only say that you were very lucky for those who cant i would say dont push too hard too soon it can be very counterproductive.

Last edited by Cookey; 02-06-2008 10:06 AM.

Liz in the UK

Husband Robin aged 44 years Dx 8th Dec 2006 poorly differentiated SCC tongue with met to neck T1N2cM0 Surgery and Radiation.Finished TX April 2007
Recurrence June/07 died July 29th/07.

Never take your eye off the ball, it may just smack you in the mouth.