Lynne, in my case they did some swallowing tests, which consisted of me sitting in a fluourscope-type x-ray machine while swallowing various liquids and solids. It was quite amazing when they showed me the video afterward - could actually see all the structures in my neck and throat as the stuff went down.

That of course was just diagnostic. Based on that it was determined that the problem wasn't too severe so all I had to do was exercises - various sorts of tongue things, words to speak. All designed to get things moving again properly. After not too long the problem resolved itself, although I also had concurrent problems lower down in the esophogus, including a web that had grown across it. I gather that having throat dilations isn't all that uncommon for people who've had rads to that area, and I've had perhaps 6 or 8 of them. Though none for a year now so maybe that's history.

And please don't ever feel bad about moaning! Go ahead and moan. As I said, I consider what I went through barely a scratch compared to some of the incredibly brave and resilient people who post here. I always use the word hero to describe them, and I am in awe.

And as Kathy says, don't be too bothered if the scans light up. My docs waited 6 months before scanning me.

Oh and I'd heard about the magic mouthwash but only after my treatment. People tell me it helps. I only had viscous lidocaine and various sorts of saliva replacement things - Caphosol comes to mind although as I recall it was very expensive and maybe not available where you are (?). I dunno if it helped or not. Swishing with baking soda/water several times a day is always a good idea.