Choking

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Ndiggs
Ndiggs Member Posts: 2
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hello! My mother is a 2 time cancer survivor of nasopharyngeal cancer. She is and always has been a non-smoker and very healthy. She had radiation for both treatments, first in 1997 and then again in 2000. She suffers from severely dry mouth, hearing loss, tooth loss (recently received permanent false teeth on the lower portion.) 

She has been to the ER MORE TIMES than I can count for choking. Her esophagus and shrunk significantlY, as well as her capability of opening her mouth.  Any thoughts, ideas for permant help for the choking? No one wAnts to stretch her esophagus due to her lack of saliva...

She has severe double vision, as well and has been referred to Mayo from her neurological  ophlamogist. 

Anyone have any loved ones going through this or anyome themselves?

Much love and blessings 

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  • KTeacher
    KTeacher Member Posts: 1,103
    #2
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    Welcome

    Welcome to CSN.  This is a great group of people that will help and support those with H and N cancer.  Sorry to hear about your mother choking.  I don't have any help in that matter but I know others will share there experiences.  Double vision was one of my symptoms with my 3rd recurrance.  I am glad they are sending you to Mayo.  Keep on top of this appointment.  Stay in touch so we know how things are going.  Thank you for being a support for your mom.

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #3
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    Welcome to the H&N Group

    Welcome to the group no one wants to have to belong to. Sorry you need to be here, however this is the best one you will find. I am guessing she has been chocking long before the lower dentures. In not it could be the dentures not fitting well. The lower ones are the hardest to work with. Put a few spots of Fixodent to keep them in and prevent food or salt getting under them, it will hurt like you can't imagine. I do agree with Beth. She will need to take very small bites and chew a lot before swallowing, and a small sip of water will help. It will take much longer to eat, but it can help stop the choking.

    Bill

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #4
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    hi, i just want to welcome

    hi, i just want to welcome you to the family and say i'm sorry you need to join.  I'm also sorry your poor mom is having so much trouble.  if anyone here has had that problem, they will definitely share with you what they did for it.  i will be praying for things to get better for her.

    God bless you,

    dj

  • MrsBD
    MrsBD Member Posts: 615 Member
    #5
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    Choking

    I'm sorry your mom is having so much trouble and hope I can give you some advice to help. In addition to my recent experience with BOT cancer, I have had eosinophilic esophagitis for years. It causes strictures and difficulty swallowing. What works for me is having a tiny bit of water with each mouthful. If food gets caught anyhow, I gently breathe in through my nose and give a "huck" through my mouth. It's important to take small bites, chew thoroughly, and concentrate on eating. Keep the head level; don't tilt up to swallow as that narrows the throat. Talk OR eat, not both. My friends and family know I'm always the last one to finish eating. Send me a private message if you'd like to talk more.

    Beth 

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