hi thanks to both of you christine and ez jim!
he had water for the first time today! i thought he might have to use a straw or something at first, but he has was apparently able to just sip it. he was happy about that. hes expected to be discharged sunday or monday and will come home with the peg tube. im not sure if he'll be able to eat mashed potatoes and all that yet but ill keep it in mind as that time comes and he can do more.

we were told hes going to have to keep the trach in through radiation since the face might swell and it might be harder for him to breathe- is that normal?

also, although at first we were told the flap was healing well, now weve been told its pulling in a couple parts but theyre "waiting to see what happens"- what are the various options? my fiance says it will either take or they will 'cut some stuff out'...