Also depends on the effects of the radiation. My Dx was similar to yours, although I did not have the neck dissection. After 35 RT treatments, when I tried to eat I would choke. My oncologist sent me to an upper GI doc. The top of my throat was closed to less than the opening of a straw by the scarring from radiation. I've been through six sessions (over eight weeks) to open my throat back up. After the fourth session I could finally swallow some real food without choking. I can eat now, but still small portions, small bites - lots of chewing...