Unfortunately that sort of info is kept confidential. In depth knowledge of medical advances would be something our members probably would never hear about. The only person I can think of who has access to those things would be OCF's founder Brian Hill. He sits on many boards along with some the countrys top researchers/doctors/Phd's and hears about new things that are up and coming. Those things must clear the FDA and have trials done so its years before things come out. Brian may hear the confidential things way before the general public does but with confidentiality clauses he probably isnt able to discuss the things he hears of.

First, congratulations on 12 years! I’m not sure if we spoke in the past, but it’s good hearing from you! I’m sorry about your swallow issues. I’ve had plenty, and after my teeth were removed, more so, but I do eat fully by mouth after using a tube on and off for fives years, mostly when I was in treatment. Have you tried puréed foods or other easily swallowed foods? Chicken is a tough one! Most times I like to cook my own foods, but with special instructions, not to over cook certain foods, I can eat even pizza! Basically, it’s trial and error, and plenty of times i bit more than I can handle, and almost passed out before dislodging the food! That’s scary, and not fun, as you know!

On another note, have you or anyone in your family taken CPR, which usually include choking victims? I know, and hope to never use doing a belly flop from a kneeling position, head turned up and away, on the floor or dropping myself over the back of a chair to dislodge a stuck item in your throat. Most times, I can talk and breathe and the stuck food eventually dislodges. Anyway, it’s best to take a class. The belly flop I learned on line, so that may not be included in the class.

That brings me to another point. Later in September i’m having my throat dilated. I usually have it done twice a year, sometimes with a scope since I have Barrett’s esphogus which needs to be checked yearly.

On another note, I have one carotid artery, as a left section that was cancerous was removed a few years back, and just have the right side, which is clear. I get, up my request, the Doppler exam, which name escapes my mind right now

I hope this helps!

Paul, do you have dentures, or have you managed without? Still working on this no-tooth thing. (Not to derail this thread, just wondering.)

And the notes on CPR training for friends and family, and self-care ... spot on. I teach even my littlest Scouts about some of those techniques, so they can know how to help folks larger than they are ... they may not remember it all, but at least they won't panic so quickly and have time to get help. Thanks for reminding us that it's not just for other folks! My refresher course (requirement for leadership) is due and that'll be a good incentive.

KristenS,

No, I don’t have dentures yet. When I was about to look into them or implants last year, as all my teeth were removed in 2015 due to all my radiation, over 200Gy, and recovering from a madiblectomy, I had a major heart attack right after that, and on blood thinners since. A few months later, I went to see my ENT for referal to the periodontist, but he told me relax for a while. It’s been a year now, and finally got my cardiologist clearance, so I’m going to look into something as he gave me the temporary ok for several procedures as long as I cut out the blood thinners 5 days prior.

It’s good to take a refresher course in CPR or be recertified, if one can.

Hi Everybody. I'm 20 years out and its both reassuring and somewhat glum that I've just now hooking in a community that both understands my suffering, as well as crossing milestones in the progression of Radiation Exposure Disease. I myself also was forced in a liquid only diet about 3 years ago. It changed my life, made it smaller. Michaelii, you did share an interesting paper on the Swallowing Degradation, but it only said "Novel Approaches are needed" .. Which is to say, they should relax clinical trail restrictions, for our sakes. We need help!

ChristineB et al First of all, I am really connecting with everything said here. I feel like I'm at home. And yes, I'm inspired, because, for starters, knowledge is power! Thanks everyone for sharing. ChristineB, I'm 20 years out from Rad, and I was forced in to my liquid diet, just 3 years ago, which seems late from the average here. But can I share with you all, a story of maximizing the parts of your body and mind that we're not radiated? Positive energy may just prolong all these inevitable Rad side effects.


ChristineB interesting observation about those possibly having new clinical data that could addressing our deteriorating throat functions. I'm quite motivated to pursue any avenues for treatment.

Homestrong.

I started liquid food or noodle soup this year - also 16 years post treatment, I am wondering if you have any problem with your speech. To me, the radiation not only gradually weakened the throat muscle for swallowing but also the tongue muscle for speech, some words become hard to spell clearly.


Thanks

Hi I am 9 years post treatment and have been on a diced food diet since 2015 but not they are saying I can swallow but my Esophagus in no longer working, this is the craziest thing and with very dry mouth things are getting worse. But the GI doctor mentioned nothing about a feeding tube. So one day at a time. Wishing you all well.