Yes it's very common - some times I cough so hard from my secretions that I vomit - also his throat was already probably tight from the radiation then they operated - if he gets really upset that will make he situation worse - not sure if he has a lot of pain in his throat if not yawning will help loosen it up - a bit. It helps stretch the muscles also trying to move his neck will help too - it loosens up the outer muscles. It's a horrible feeling - I did my treatments backwards to your husband - I had the surgery then radiation and chemo - so my throat was already tight when I started radiation and it got worse - telL him to continue swallowing as much as he can even if he's not eating or drinking - that works the throat muscles too. But he should probably see a therapist they might be able to help. Good luck!