Hi Jane sorry for typos I was trying to get ready but wanted to reply. It’s an hard time especially without a feeding tube. He  can try swishing difflam mouthwash then spitting it out to numb his mouth befire swallow. Also soluble asprin agsin rinse and spit. There’s also oxceyycaine which id on prescription that numbs his mouth 15 mjns before trying to swallow . As for solid a poached egg was my first try. I’ll pop a link on to a head n nd k cook book might give some ideas. He is on painkillers I was on 30 mg co codomol and oramorph.
. 

https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/66263025/cookbook-by-andrew-gaylor-head-and-neck-cancer-survivor-2022

this might help in a few weeks time. Think  high calorie like cream to add to homemade soups grated cheese . Surprisingly toast with lots of butter easier than bread. I coujd get 500 calories ftom a toasted fruit cake tea cake eith grated cheese on it. If he’s dry mouth at night xyimelts bought online are my saviour. 

Hazel 

Hi Jane, now and the next few weeks are deffo the  toughest. That calorie intake is  very low,  is there noticable weight loss? If so dont hesitate , get in touch touch with consultant/ dept or go to hospital and explain if this continues.  

I was told,  any big weight loss I'd be intubated , the one thing I didn't  want. Forced down porridge  3 times a day , full fat yoghurt and eggs. Ice cream too.  Losing top much weight will prolong recovery so worse case getting the tube , but dont let him leave it too long. Good luck  

Hi Jane I can only back up what Hazel & TFS have said, calorie intake is vital you have to find a way, I had a bad period where I was losing too much weight food didn't taste good being the main cause for me, My turning point was when I bought some swimmers nose clips so I couldn't taste the high calorie drinks which were pretty disgusting but I had to get them inside me and it worked, I gradually sarted to gain weight and never looked back, hope this helps, Dave

Hi he's on oromorph 4 times a day two of 5ml and 2 of 2.5 ml and paracetamol.  He's lost a stone roughly since Dec. Also anti sickness medication and difflam for his mouth. 

I've told him if he doesn't up the intake by Fri I will be calling his dietician. 

Hi Jane he can up

the oramorph it seems he might not be on enough at my worst I was taking up to 40 mil a day speak to his cancer or Macmillian nurse or email them. He needs more pain relief I was taking 30

mg cocodomol every 6 hours with oramorph inbetween as breakthrough pain relief. 
xontact them in the mornjng 

Hazel 

Hi Hazel. 

I got a lot of comfort from reading your posts on this site. You were 18 months ahead of me in terms of diagnosis/ treatment so congratulations on your 5 year sign off. It must seem weird not having to go  back.Are you planning ever having a body scan? I thought the NHS should do this when they sign you off but they dont do they? Enjoy your cycling in the sun.

PS someone I know a little has just been diagnosed. I have recommended this site but there dont seem many fresh posts. Guess that's good in a way.

Yeah thanks Hazel.

Doing really well. Have had continuity with oncologist and my lovely Macmillan nurses.  3.5 years on. I still have "symptoms" from radiotherapy. Strangulation feeling from scar tissue, jaw ache when sing ing certain songs in my choir, stiff neck more recently and tingly tongue! But I have learned that these sensations come and go and does not mean the return of cancer. I still worry that it may come back somewhere else in the body and it's only the head and neck we concentrate on but I am positive and upbeat and enjoying life. Going on a caribbean cruise with my son in a couple if days and still trying to learn Soanish( badly)

Hi I ditto re the Spanish. Around tge 3.5 year mark I developed burnj g tongue it went about 6 months shi touch wood not returned. Have a fab cruise ps I can’t sing not that I could before lol. 
Hazel xx keep in touch