Hi Gail!

Welcome to OCF, glad you found us, sorry you had to!

Most of the survivors here that have had rads to the head/neck area have had similar experiences...don't worry about it much my dear, it will get better!

Since you have a PEG, do yourself a favor and use it until your throat heals a bit more from the radiation burns. I understand wanting to have the PEG removed, I had mine for well over a year before I had it taken out.

I'm going to guess that the coughing fits are more then likely brought on by aspiration. Radiation treatment to the head and neck can/will cause dysphasia (difficulty swallowing) which can lead to aspiration (stuff going down the wrong tube) hence the coughing fits. It get's better, it may not get to where you were before rads, but you'll learn to work with it. Myself, I have to drink something when I eat anything. I try to eat solids everyday as well however the majority of my diet is Ensure/Boost Plus w Protien due to the various issues with my swallowing mechanisms.

Do us all a favor and write out a signature similar to mine w/ diagnosis, treatments timeline etc...it just helps us answer ?'s and get to know ya better!

Welcome to OCF, we are here for you!