Hmmmm. Ask them why on the trache - my surgery was different - but my surgeon put it in because of concern with swelling - it was removed three days post op. I healed and went on to have radiation etc... Now your surgery is quite extensive. So healing may take some time. Perhaps the swelling is a concern? And then during rads it will get worse... How long between surgery and rads? Usually it's 5-6 weeks. Are they putting in an NG tube or a peg right away, and yes swallowing is something you must do to maintain the reflex. I was told 8-10 days nothing by mouth - stitches were still fresh and they didn't want me to damage my graft. The three weeks seems likely because your surgery is very involved. I'm just wondering if since you are going for rads a peg might not be the best option up front, and take in soft foods and liquids when you can for as long as you can then use the peg but continue to take in water etc... I would definitely object to the trache during rads unless they can give you a solid reason. Good luck!

Ps - christine is in the know she's been through this before, also where are you being treated.. Hope it's a top notch ccc!