Bette, i sure know how you are feeling. There is so much to cope with .
I think Reggie is doing really well. Just encourage him with the water for the moment to keep those swallowing muscles going.

Press the docs for the PEG if you have to, to get it sooner. I can't imagine how awful the NG tube is with all that swelling going on.

Are you able get some sort of protective dressing to put on the skin where the lary tube is pressing? Something that will relieve the pressure of the tube on the skin.

I think that once the NG is removed and nothing is then pulling on his nose, Reggie will feel much more comfortable and much better in himself. One less piece of plastic in the naso pharyngeal area will also help the swelling.

Patience. Get the PEG and use that for his nutritional needs.

Allow time for the swelling to abate.

Gently encourage him with thin liquids. Reggie won't be able to move on until healing had occurred.

You are doing a wonderful job Bette,
Tammy

Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis
DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT.
PET 6/11 clear.
R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED
Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in.
March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!