Hey Patrick - you're not rushing things but I strongly encourage you to be assessed and treated by a speech therapist ASAP - NOW is the time to work to strengthen your oral and swallowing muscles and a speech therapist can help you with the right exercises and plan to move forward towards getting rid of the tube. In particular, since you're dealing with MD as well, it might be a little more challenging you for you to re-gain the strength and coordination for you to swallow safely and often enough to get all your calories. A speech therapist and dietician can help you reach your goal!