 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Rett:
Hope your father is doing ok. I know he is struggling and its difficult for him and also for you right now. The treatments by now should have settled into a steady routine and that does help a little.
Please help your father by having him swallow daily. One thing that worked very well for me was yoo-hoo. It was thin, soothing and also has vitamins and calories which are helpful. If your father drinks soda it may burn his mouth. I havent been able to drink soda for 1 1/2 yrs now since rad and recovery. I sure wish I could, but it still sets my mouth on fire.
Another small thing that is easily overlooked is to have your dad open his mouth very wide and hold that for about 10-20 seconds a few times in a row, and repeat it several times per day. Swallowing and stretching are SSSOOOOOOO very important. You do not want him to end up like me, at 46 years old I cant open my mouth wider than about 1/3 inch. This probably wont ever get better. Please help your dad by pushing him to listen to this advice.
Again, hoping all is well with your father.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
