Those who have done radiation on their tongue & neck, did you have to use a feeding tube or did you make it through able to consume enough yourself ???

I don’t want to get one if I don’t reallllly have to.

Hello Ali, I felt same way but I was glad I had feeding tube they told me to go ahead have it put , in in case I need it.i am so glad I had it. Without it I would have struggled to eat and maintain my weight I think it would be good idea to have it in case you need it.goodluck.

Can I ask what hurt most? Was it like ulcers in your throat or what was the pain from? Worse than surgery?

Ali,mine was mouth sores and swallowing I rinsed my mouth with baking soda and Salt maybe 10 times a day and my dr gave me magic mouthwash.

And how long did you use a feeding tube ? Do you think you could have powered through without?

Ali I had to feed through my feeding tube for two and half months I don't think I could have maintain my weight without it but from reading other posts here there are some in our group made it through without tube.

Thank you. Where did you see those other posts?

Ali,read under eating and swallowing

Ali

I had 60 Gray Units of radiation to my mouth and neck on my right side. It made almost all food terrible but I was able to make it through without a tube. Some foods were ok all the way through like scrambled eggs, pancakes, vanilla and chocolate smoothies/shakes, green beans, pudding, simple soups. I kept a log and made certain to get at least 2000 calories a day. I also exercised almost daily so I would increase calories as much as possible. I lost around 15 lbs. I am 6 ft tall and went from around 160 to a low of around 145 a week after my last radiation session. So not too bad. I have gained almost all of it back now.

Choose the path that best fits your lifestyle. I preferred not to have a tube. It was motivation to eat even when things tasted bad.

Nels