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Swallowing

Daisywoo
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Is there anything I can do to prepare myself should I have radiotherapy side effects that make it impossible to swallow.  Due to other medical issues I take a lot of medication and very concerned about not being able to swallow them.  I start radiotherapy on the 24th March and so far haven’t been given any contact at Macmillan to talk to.  Other clinical people I’ve spoken to tell me not to worry as it might not happen, however I’d like to be prepared as best I can.

Parents

  • Hi there and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about your upcoming treatment and the concerns you have about side effects.

    As others have said on here there are often liquid alternatives of medications that patients can take when the swallowing is affected. A soft diet is recommended to make things easier but if needed a nasogastric or peg feeding tube can be inserted to ensure adequate nutrition when absolutely necessary. The team involved in your treatment will be monitoring you frequently through treatment to make sure any side effects can be best managed.

    There is more information about side effects of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer on the website, so do take a look, if you haven't already.

    I hope this is helpful but do get back in touch if needed.

    All the best

    Take care

    Naomi

Reply

  • Hi there and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about your upcoming treatment and the concerns you have about side effects.

    As others have said on here there are often liquid alternatives of medications that patients can take when the swallowing is affected. A soft diet is recommended to make things easier but if needed a nasogastric or peg feeding tube can be inserted to ensure adequate nutrition when absolutely necessary. The team involved in your treatment will be monitoring you frequently through treatment to make sure any side effects can be best managed.

    There is more information about side effects of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer on the website, so do take a look, if you haven't already.

    I hope this is helpful but do get back in touch if needed.

    All the best

    Take care

    Naomi

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