Thanks to all- I read your responses to my husband Dan and he promised to try and swallow something every day- he started with good old chicken soup which seemed to break it up and help him to swallow. He agreed that a little burning sensation was a small price to pay for relief. We ran out and got some seltzer water too! He plans on trying that later this week. I think all of these ideas give him hope and the extra push he needs to keep moving forward. I also reminded him of where he's been--although recovery has been slow he is sleeping with one less pillow to prop him up...it's funny how you measure progress with this disease!