Everyone responds so differently to radiation. Some people have said they didn't even miss work during treatment and were only mildly uncomfortable. However from others I have talked to, ending up with a feeding tube is much more common than the doctors admitted to me. I had one of the extreme reactions and was unable to take anything other than ice chips by mouth for over 3 months. Very slowly I learned to swallow again and now, almost a year later, I can eat soft bland foods. Even after the treatment is over it will be a while before he starts to feel better. The effects of the radiation are cumulative and continue for a time even after the treatment ends. He may have some permanent side effects such as mouth dryness, burning, difficulty opening his mouth etc. How severe these are also depends on the individual. He should keep the doctors informed as to how he is feeling. Some problems can be mitigated by early intervention of speech and physical therapists. It is a long road and he still has more surgery ahead which will make the recovery longer. I also had a reoccurance after many years. I had tongue cancer in 87, had part of my tongue removed and a neck dissection but no radiation. In 2000/2001 I ended up with more tongue surgery, another neck dissection, and radiation. No one seems to know why it came back after so long but your father and I don't seem to be alone in that experience. There is so much the doctors don't understand. I have found this site to be so helpful to be able to talk to others about their experiences. I hope all will go well for your father. This is a very hard time for the patient and the support/care givers as well.
ilene