I would like to share physical progress and get some of the forums insight. Note I have read and searched quite a bit on the board and many of you have already helped significantly.

I am three days out of rad and seven from final chemo and doing ok. Lost about 20 lbs (of 200), but maintaining and getting good nutrition and hydration via the tube. Throat is not terribly sore and I can swallow. Typical throat secretions and seperately it seems like my mouth fills with saliva(?) and requires constant spitting.

My concern is the disinterest and general feeling in moving away from the tube due to a very dry feeling throat, general mouth discomfort (no sores) and hesitation due to lack of taste. I take all meds orally and relatively consistent sips of water. It does feel like my throat is constricting a bit and I started crushing the largest pill.

How much do I force things? I realize it is early and these may be minor concerns in the grand scheme of things, but I don't want to get behind the curve with swallowing and eating given some of the ongoing concerns expressed.

Thank you.

J.

However long it takes, continue to use the peg, but exercise the mouth, dry swallow, if you can swallow liquids, even better. You should be able to eat a week or two without the the peg, maintain adequate weight, before abadoning the peg. I didn't force myself. I knew when it was time, and was motivated to do it, and was probably at 3 months, but was no full meal. Probably my fullest meal was at 8 months on Thansgivjng. Take your time, small bites, easy to eat foods. Just as they say your tongue, swallowing muscles can lose its memory, the same memory can help recover what is lost from non use like any other muscle not used in a while.

You do and try whatever you want. That's my advice. I was soooo eager to return to normal I pulled my nasal tube out at home (w/ my doc's permission) after only 2 weeks and started eating solid foods right away. Try really soft stuff, lots of gravy things, syrup stuff, you get the picture. Have plenty of liquid available and be prepared for longer eating sessions. Your food will often get cold before you can finish.

The excess fluids will go away, usually in a few weeks and that will be replaced by the DM (Dry Mouth). The DM can take evey bit of 2 years to come nack as much as it will so be patient.

Ok - thanks. Looking forward to better days with the throat and mouth but not looking forward to the DM. Really hoping for taste to help make this transition.

Davidcpa - at what point were you able to start exercising again (outside of light walks)?

Man I felt as weak as a kitten for the first few months PT (post Tx). At first I couldn't even lift the water bottle up and on the water cooler. Calories and hydration and tons of it will help. Even driving at night for the first time PT was weird, almost scary. I bought a Camelbak and got up enough nerve to get back on my bike at 3 months PT. I felt OK but the DM sucked and made it very difficult to ride and sip water constantly. This was December. Then came my Tax Season so the next time I gave riding a try was late April. By now I was 8 months PT. I discarded that Camelbak and actually enjoyed myself. Even though the DM was still bad I found that if I didn't try and talk to other riders, chewed Biotene gum and carried an extra water bottle I was fine. Before long I was back to riding just as I was pre Tx. In fact with my weight loss for a year or so I was a better rider than pre Tx. Now I spend 5 days at the Y doing Spin and resistant equipment and 1 to 2 days on the bike. I am in as good or even better shape today than I was pre cancer. Just wish I could stop the age thing! lol