Dr. Kauffman was a very nice woman with a lot of positive news for us. She listened to Steve's medical history and asked questions to clarify everything. She remembers Dr. Grist speaking at the "tumor board" meetings about Steve. After examining Steve, she told us of the process she would like to take to help him.
She explained that some of the swallowing issues could be from delayed response to radiation therapy. She said she has known patients who have had problems with swallowing 10 years after radiation. That was interesting to know. Anyway, no matter what the reason, at this point Steve needs to start with swallowing exercises to strengthen his unused muscles. Dr. Kauffman was impressed with how much flexibility he has with his jaw and tongue already. Evidently he has been doing stretching exercises on his own and they have really helped!
She taught him several new exercises to do each day. She also taught Steve how to swallow some water. (Although he says he would not really call it swallowing.) So, before we left the office he was able to swallow small sips of water! She says its okay if the water gets in his lungs because they can absorb it and it is just water. These small sips will help his swallowing muscles get stronger.
We will go back to see her in about 2 weeks. She feels that eventually Steve will be able to swallow again. She also thinks a prosthetic for the roof of his mouth is a very good idea and would help Steve with his speech and maybe his swallowing. That is a ways down the road, but it is so nice to have reaffirmed hope! Thank you for your continued prayers! Patience is the key in all of this : )
No comments:
Post a Comment