Liquid Diet

I had surgery 2 months ago on my throat.  My lymph nodes on the right side were removed as well as a lesion above my voice box.  I can speak, but only in a whisper, and for short periods of time.  All the docs say it will go back to normal in time, and I gotta believe them.

Although I just passed my barium swallow test a week ago, I am totally reliant on liquids for nutrition via my stomach tube.  I've been using Ensure Plus - I need the calories, and don't care about sugars - but would like suggestions from anyone kind enough to take the time to tell me what they are using - either as liquids for the tube, or soft foods that are safe to start swallowing with.  If a lifestyle change is in my future, I may as well start now.

I'm also getting both chemo 1x/wk and radiation 5/wk for 6 weeks.  Had 2 Chemos (not too bad) and start radiation on Monday. 

I recommend the EVERYTHING Cancer Fighting Cookbook for healthy and tasty recipes that are suitable for a soft diet.  This is one that isn't harsh in texture and is easy to swallow. 

When my husband's PEG tube was inserted they stressed on us to use only liquids thru the PEG tube.  My husband has been on Nutren 1.5 and Isosource 1.5 since September.  He is just 2 weeks out from a complete larynectomy, neck dissection and reconstruction of his throat.  He will undergo a swallow test this Friday and hopefully will be able to resume eating and swallowing.  He had his chemo and radiation first and the radiation did a job on his throat inside not outside.  As your radiation continues you will need the feeding tube more.  I know everyone is different in how they respond and what they will tell you.  Some people puree(?) their food and put thru the feeding tube.  I never did.  Guess I was afraid to try and he is doing well on the liquids he is getting. 

Sharon

I have developed a blog of recipes for pureed foods that are nutritious and delicious.  As a result of treatment for a neuroendocrine tumor on my pancreas, I now require most of my food to be pureed and I wasn't willing to eat baby food or other bland alternatives.  My gastroenterologist is the one who encouraged me to start a blog to share with others who might benefit.  The blog is http://pureedpzazz.blogspot.com/

Best of everything to you and I hope you find some items on my blog that will be helpful for you.