To tube or not to tube....

donfoo said:

whatever.......

Ditto - Savor everything you like to eat and drink before rads. Eat without abandon. Any weight you might gain now will certainly come back off during rads. Everyone returns with some change in tastes post tx. So double lock all your favorite favors away now. :-)

Wonder why the surgeon didn't take both tonsils? Any ideas?

KB56 said:

Tonsils

they only took my right as well.  

Definately only one there! Surprised me but intruth pain not to bad. Did try a chilli last night which was just foolish! A few weeks before Ill try a curry!

Duggie88 said:

Guzzle

I had a tube (through the nose) after sugery and they removed it a month before I started radiation. They told me I may need the tube if I didn't keep myself nourished and hydrated. I lost 92 pounds and looked like a prisoner of war and they threatened to put one in but I got by with smoothies and ensure. I  bought one of those blenders that  heats the mixture up which was great for healthy soup. Many play it by ear,if it seems you need the tube they will grab ya by the ear and march you into the room and place one in.

      Jeff

In UK if someone is called a tube it means they are an idiot. Which I am. So I could do without a tube. But if needs must....Made up for your good news. I will try and bulk up a bit before starting RT. Have actually traced a few people who have only had minor problems. They seem to be a rarity. Maybe they grew up in Springfield! A guy called Theo has created a blog entitled the radioactive man which is very amusing. Some creative uses for the rad mask. How hard did you find it getting protein drinks etc down?

sunshine_65 said:

Tubes, swallowing & other stuff

Haven't been on "our" website for awhile--but I wanted to weigh in on this debate. I was absolutely determined not to have a tube put in - I was afraid of losing my ability to swallow and so did swallowing exercises throughout radiation & chemo (erbitux) 8-weeks treatment. Had serious eating troubles, but I always felt that keeping up swallowing (sometimes by throwing down lidocaine first) was pre-emptive in terms of keeping the swallowing function going. I actually had worse issues eating after treatment ended--but got through it with ensure, cheesecake, ice cream and sorbet, creamy soups, and so on. There's a good list of foods and hints by Sweetbread on this site. But, as others have said, if you need a tube, go for it--you have to do what's best and all of us have followed different paths.

As for beer and wine, it might be interesting to hear that I have found - like others have mentioned - that red wine is difficult (dry mouth continues to be a serious problem even after 2 years out) except for biodynamic wine - for some reason, it seems "mellow" as someone else on this thread mentioned. 

I agree with what everyone else has said: stay hydrated (force yourself) as it makes chills, sweats, and other stuff easier to deal with, and do eat everything that appeals to you. For me, chocolate was the last "taste" to return- and even now and then I lose my taste buds completely - sometimes in the middle of cup of coffee. 

I got through the tough periods by thinking of eating and hydrating as my "job" - my only job. It got me through with flying colors.

 

 

Just had staples out and 4 mile yomp home along canal. Previously had lunch by seaside with Mrs. Again seems difficult to believe I am unwell! THANKS! It is the Aintree Grand National here in Liverpool this weekend. Biggest UK horse race. I don't usually gamble but will pick a horse for this. It is known for outsiders to win so may be worth a puny. I reckon we are all due a little luck! I literally pick a name that amus

es me as I know nothing about horses. Good luck if you fancy it.

Time Bandit said:

I had the feeding tube

I had the feeding tube inserted before the treatment started as a backup. It was well worth it. There came a time that the swallowing of food was just too painful and all that I wanted was liquids which turned out to be water or ice tea. Bulking up to start won't last. I lost 50 pounds by the end of my treatment and I don't think bulking up that much would be possible. Go for it. I found it fun to make fun of it asking prople if they wanted to see what I had for breakfast, lunch, etc.

Hey team got results. 3 localizednides positive. 6 weeks radiotheraphy with a blast of chemo at beginning middle and end. Next week dentist / mask. Oh joy!

debbiejeanne said:

damn, guzzle, i was hoping no

damn, guzzle, i was hoping no nodes would be involved.  but at least finding out is done and now the plan can be put into action.  i'm sorry the nodes were positive but the tx will get it all and you will come thru this like the rest of us did.  praying for a smooth ride thru tx.  keep us posted on how you do.  we will be here for you.  we're on the sidelines cheering you on, listen hard and you'll hear us.  for now, heres a cyber hug ((((((((( 0 )))))))))). 

God bless you,

dj

Cheers dj. Oncologist seems very positive and is going for curative approach. Everything crossed! Just got a bit of a battle to get through but ive seen what some of you good people have achieved.

Guzzle said:

wayne rooney

thanks don..... And Denis NO Wayne Rooney is most definitely not worth all that money!

Ran 3.5 miles. Appreciated every step and every breath. Thought of all you good people in the US.