I HAVE to tuck my chin down to swallow, or it WILL go into my trachea/lungs. I'm two years out and have had my throat dilated three times, but this is still an issue with me. Even with my chin tucked, I still have droplets of liquid trickling into my trachea and foods still get stuck there often. It also happens if I get distracted and look to the left or right, even with my chin tucked.

I also have to cut pills up very small and take them with applesauce or ice cream. I know the dryness is part of the problem, but water is to thin to help me.

Lani

SCC part glossectomy 3/06, recur 8/06 glossectomy, floor of mouth, part of jaw removed, RT/chemo thru 10/12/06, PET clear 7/08
"A bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless you fail to make the turn"
Passed away 12/14/08