Hi Charlotte,
I was dx with MEC of the sub-lingual salivary gland in May 2013. I had my RT submandibular gland in my neck removed. As well as a portion of my sub-lingual gland where my tumor was located under my tongue removed. It's been 5 months and I still have swelling and discomfort. Don't get me wrong it has gotten better but it's still tender. I also take lortab elixir for pain. But I found that ibuprofen (800mg) helps better. Maybe because it's an anti-inflammatory. Swallowing has gotten better but in the beginning I was on all liquids. Once improved I started on a mechanical soft diet. This consisted of the foods you are eating now and also included finely chopped/minced/puree meat smothered in sauce or gravy. You can use a food processor to chop up your meat and vegetables. The Dr. also prescribed me something called "Magic Mouthwash" which isn't a mouthwash at all. It's a numbing solution that you swish around in your mouth and then swallow. This helped with the pain from eating and taking meds. Although I'm back on a normal diet, I still have problems swallowing. I eat very slow and take tiny bites. It also help to alternate a bite of food with a sip of a drink. On a side note, I am familiar with sjogrens symdrome. I have lupus with sicca symptoms. Dry eyes, skin, nose, and mouth. I tested negative for sjogrens though. Radiation only made this worse. Do you have to take radiation or any other treatment? I hope everything works out for you and that you find this to be helpful. God Bless You!