Hi Anita, I'm a speech pathologist and my mum has cancer. It's great news that you're starting to eat orally again, that's a very positive sign. When it comes to soft chewable foods, the limiting factor will likely be your ability to chew and control the food in your mouth. Liquids can be more difficult, but jelly meltse into a liquid, so it's positive if you're able to manage that we'll too. Your oncology team should have a speech pathologist as part of it, please request to see them, as they can give you recommendations to support safely relearning the skills needed for more difficult foods and liquids. The dietitian will be able to advise you around your nutritional needs and if and when removing the NGT is likely. The health of your chest is the utmost priority here, given all the treatment you're receiving, your immune system will have difficulty fighting off aspiration pneumonia and this can lead to death. So please take it slowly and stop if you notice a change in your breathing, wheezing, crackly sounds, a wet voice, or if you cough or have to throat clear during or after eating. Please also talk to your speech pathologist and pharmacist about the safest ways to take your meds.
