Michael, I was so sick during and after radiation that I never expected to improve. I couldn't speak or swallow ANYTHING for months. For me I was finally able to handle liquids about 6 months after radiation and was soon able to drink enough to have the tube out. Its now about 13 months since radiation and I can eat soft foods now but swallowing is still a challenge sometimes. Hang in there, the improvement will not happen as quickly as you would like but there will eventually be improvement.