If you or a loved one has gone through head and neck cancer treatment, you know firsthand the challenges of managing eating and swallowing difficulties. As someone who has personally experienced these idiosyncrasies, I want to share my story and offer advice for coping with them.
One of the most important things I've learned is the impact of external factors on swallowing. Changes in weather, exercise, and mental health can all affect our ability to swallow. By being mindful of these factors, we can better manage our swallowing difficulties and reduce frustration.
Another valuable insight I've gained is the importance of communication and advocacy. I've struggled with communicating my specific needs to service staff in restaurants, but I've found that mentioning my head and neck cancer diagnosis can increase understanding and support. By advocating for ourselves and educating others, we can improve our overall quality of life.
I also want to introduce my new (soon to be launched) platform, GAG | eating for head and neck cancer, as a valuable resource for patients, caregivers, and medical practitioners.
This community allows us to learn from lived experience and improve our ability to manage eating and swallowing after treatment. By sharing our stories and strategies, we can find support from others who understand our struggles.
In conclusion, I hope this episode has offered you insights and resources for coping with swallowing difficulties after head and neck cancer treatment. Remember to practice self-care, advocate for yourself, and seek support from others. We can improve our quality of life and find hope for the future.
Thank you for listening,
Yvonne
You can find my facebook community
Every thing Yvonne here yvonnemcclaren.bio.link
Ep 56 Idiosyncrasies of swallowing