The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Swallowing water accomplished!

cureitall66
cureitall66 CSN Member Posts: 913
edited December 2012 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
As most of you know we were struggling with some of the Dr's last orders after tx and they were to SWALLOW! This was a bit of a problem because of the thick mucus and some pain. But after getting great advice from all of my peeps here with using the suction machine more and more rinsing with the salt/baking soda, and working it with the meds we DID IT!!! ...just some simple adjustments. He called me at work yesterday to tell me he did it! I think because he was alone at home and relaxed with no pressures of anyone he just did it. He says it was in his window of meds and thinks that helped, but either way it was what we were looking for .....TO USE THOSE MUSCLES! He drank again today several times....

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and advice. It really helped. I read all of them to him and I think knowing he's not alone helped!

Love you guys!

Merry Christmas &
God Bless Us ALL!

Cris
Like Care

Comments

  • KJCorri
    KJCorri CSN Member Posts: 14
    #2
    Congrats
    I'm kinda new around here, but i wanted to chime in and say Congratulations! What an accomplishment!
    Kylie
    Like Care
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 CSN Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #3
    Sweet...
    Glad that he's turning the corner.

    JG
    Like Care
  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 CSN Member Posts: 4,716
    #4
    Wonderful!!
    What a relief for both of you, too!! I think now you're going to see things start to turn around....these small steps are the foundation of healing and getting stronger. Also, they build confidence in trying other things as they come along. Who'd have thought 6 months ago, that you could get a whole cheering section WA HOO'ing for drinking water, huh?? :)

    p
    Like Care
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor CSN Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #5
    Very good
    He's on his way. Needs to be patient, because the improvements are likely to come very slowly. Remember that all the liquid dietary supplements are mostly water, so if he's gonna drink 8 ounces of anything, it might as well contain calories and protein.


    Pat
    Like Care
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor CSN Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #6
    longtermsurvivor said:

    Very good
    He's on his way. Needs to be patient, because the improvements are likely to come very slowly. Remember that all the liquid dietary supplements are mostly water, so if he's gonna drink 8 ounces of anything, it might as well contain calories and protein.


    Pat

    oh
    these responses load f.rom the top now
    Like Care
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor CSN Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #7
    Skiffin16 said:

    Sweet...
    Glad that he's turning the corner.

    JG

    Hey John
    tried to email you today. My email bounced. You've evidently got your email filters cranked down, and I need you to whitelist me in order to communicate. Or not, if you'd rather not talk to me:)
    Like Care
  • cureitall66
    cureitall66 CSN Member Posts: 913
    #8
    longtermsurvivor said:

    Very good
    He's on his way. Needs to be patient, because the improvements are likely to come very slowly. Remember that all the liquid dietary supplements are mostly water, so if he's gonna drink 8 ounces of anything, it might as well contain calories and protein.


    Pat

    Boost and Ensure are next.....
    That's the next plan, to get that Boost or the Ensure through the mouth also! I'm already working on my soup and smoothie recipes so were getting those reintroduced again as well. His mood has changed somewhat from this accomplishment.....but, we're still working on the emotional breakdowns and I know it will come around. We're looking into getting him on Lexapro (once daily with longer effects) rather than that Ativan(every 8 hrs with short effects). I'm hoping this will all come together soon for him....he doesn't have much patience when it comes to being sick...but, obviously he's learning because he doesn't have a choice with this.

    ~C
    Like Care
  • Pam M
    Pam M CSN Member Posts: 2,196
    #9
    Great!
    Funny to think you'd be so grateful for something you never considered before, isn't it? Hope the progress snowballs.
    Like Care
  • VivianLee5689
    VivianLee5689 CSN Member Posts: 546
    #10
    Great news
    I am so very glad he is having some success. I know it must have been difficult for him to get up the courage to swallow when anticipating it was going to hurt. He is very lucky to have you looking out for him.
    Like Care
  • blackswampboy
    blackswampboy CSN Member Posts: 341
    #11
    terrific achievement!
    much to be said for dogged perseverance. :-)

    merry christmas to you and yours.
    Like Care
  • ToBeGolden
    ToBeGolden CSN Member Posts: 695
    #12
    Great News!
    Every little accomplishment is a big step forward. If you haven't been here, you don't know how much these little steps mean. Rick.
    Like Care
  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt CSN Member Posts: 4,725 Member
    #13
    good
    Cris,

    He will find out that many improvements follow swallowing and good hydration.

    Keep moving forward.

    Best,

    Matt
    Like Care
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood CSN Member Posts: 1,912
    #14
    small wonders
    Cris,
    I think sometimes in life others don't or won't get an opportunity to cherish the small things in life. I have learned so much through this journey we are all on together. I am so happy to hear of his accomplishments on the swallowing issue.....tell him job well done ! Merry Christmas to you and yours, Katie
    Like Care
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 CSN Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #15
    longtermsurvivor said:

    Hey John
    tried to email you today. My email bounced. You've evidently got your email filters cranked down, and I need you to whitelist me in order to communicate. Or not, if you'd rather not talk to me:)

    Sent
    Email should be fixed buddy..., sent you a test email.

    JG
    Like Care
  • Tim6003
    Tim6003 CSN Member Posts: 1,514 Member
    #16
    KJCorri said:

    Congrats
    I'm kinda new around here, but i wanted to chime in and say Congratulations! What an accomplishment!
    Kylie

    GReat news~~~!!!
    Good for Kreg....

    I did the ensure, but since it was a bit thick I would half and half it with skim milk to get it down ..I hope Kreg can just chug away!! :)

    Best,

    Tim
    Like Care

Discussion Boards