Thanks, Gloria. My speech guy told me that they would first try pudding, then honey, then nectar, then finally a thin liquid like water. They would wait after each step to see how I would tolerate each item. It surprised me that they would start with the thicker items first. Since I don't have an epiglottis, and my tongue doesn't work very well, it will be interesting to say the least.

Female, nonsmoker, 70, diag. 5/09 after tongue biopsy: stage IV. Left hemi-gloss. and left selec. neck disec. 30 lymph nodes removed May 20. Over 7 weeks daily rads. with three chemo. PEG removed 12/4/09 Am eating mostly soft foods. Back to work 11/09 Retired 4/1/11. 7 clear scans! Port out 9/11. 2/13. It's back: base of tongue, very invasive
surgery involving lifestyle changes. 2/14: Now speaking w/Passey-Muir valve. Considering a swallow study. Grateful to be alive.