Hi everyone. I underwent a modified radical neck dissection in April of this year followed up with radiation and chemotherapy. I actually held up under the radiation and chemo (except for the vomiting which was controlled incredibly well with Emend). It wasn't until about three days after radiation ended (mid August) that the after affects hit me like a freight train. I was in the hospital (VA Med Center, Mather, CA) for about a week with a bunch of infections and other internal problems that are just now settling down.

The doctors and I both believe that I exposed myself to some folks who just weren't too healthy after therapy ended. This is real important since the immune system is already taking a hit. I am doing much better now.

Today I actually ate an entire bowl of vegetable soup with no problems - soon, I hope, I'll be able to get rid of the PEG.

I just wanted to say "Hi," to everyone and to let you know that after reading many of the posts already here, I'm still learning a lot, so I'll be asking some more as time goes on. God Bless you all and thank you.

Jerry
Lodi, California

Jerry, with the exception of being exposed to some bad germs while your immune system was low, it sounds like you are doing really well-keep it up [and wash your hands alot ] Amy

Jerome, many may not agree with me here, but get that tube out now & start eating real food! You can do it obviously! You'll feel better all around, from my experience. I went swimming like a week after the tube was out! Be proactive & keep trying different soups or whatever. Whatever it takes! You can do it! It sounds like you are a very strong person & have been through a lot. Find your new normal as far as eating & your life will level out too. At least that was my experience. Erik

Jerome,
I would NEVER disagree with Erik.........I like him to much BUT, I will give you a different answer! You're only a month out of radiation, it took me close to 4 months to even begin to eat enough to sustain my self properly. If you take the tube out to soon, you jeapordize your energy level with poor nutrition. I ended radiation in July and had the tube pulled in January. I kept it a little longer then I needed to, but I was no where near ready to eat a month after treatment ended. Play it by ear, your body will know when it's time. Just don't get lazy and become dependent on the tube because it's easier.
Minnie

Different treatments, diffferent people, different healing times. For sure you need to keep working towards a normal eating life, at least your new normal. But you need to go there at your pace. Having a tube hanging out of you isn't going to change the world as far as moving forward. WHEN you are sure you can get ALL the nutrition you need via your mouth, THEN it is time to have it out. In my own experience that was a LONG time after the end of treatments. But I kept working at soups, soft eggs, chilled canned peach slices by the gallon, and eventually one day I realized I coud get my 2000 calories a day without it. Your body will tell you when - not your doctors and not anyone on this board. Just keep working on getting back into life, in your daily activities, your ability to exercise (slowly at first), your ability to fend off infections, your ability to work part time, then full time... all this takes time. Just like eating real food. Set your own goals - go at a speed that works for you.

Hi Jerry,

I can't add anything to what you've been told already as my treatment was very different from yours as I was a Stage I.

However, I'd like to welcome another Jerry to the forum.

Please keep us posted on your progress.

Jerry