Hello,
Kris also had a total laryngectomy with permanent trache/stoma opening on his neck. So, now his airway and oesophagus - swallowing tube - are completely separated. Swallowing for Kris may be a bit less complicated than for your husband as in Kris's case there is no risk of aspiration. Anything he swallows can not possibly go into his lungs.
Has your Husband had a swallow study done to see if he aspirates? Is this why he still has a trachy and can not yet take anything orally?
Kris had a swallow study about 3 weeks postop to ensure all the surgery had healed with no leaks. He then simply started swallowing. Small amounts like 20 mls to begin with, but very quickly he progressed to fluids by the cup full. He just "drinks" a mouthful, tips his head back and swallows and it all goes down.
The SLT did work with him to get him to take thicker foods like yoghurt and apple puree and he could swallow these. But he hates the sensation of still having these in his mouth as without the tongue to clean up the oral cavity there does remain a coating. He could probably then clean it up with water etc. but he just wont.
Speech for Kris is a lot trickier than your husbands will be. Your husband still has his voice box so can still make sound - once his trachy is removed. Prior to Kris's surgery the surgeon told me that of course he could still talk - you can try it yourself. Just keep your tongue still while talking. It is still very understandable isnt it.
Kris has a special tube called a TEP inserted at the back of his stoma site which goes through the tracheal wall. He then covers the stoma with a finger and breathes out through the TEP which makes sound as it vibrates on the tracheal wall. Listening and understanding Kris is about getting your ear in. Same for your husband, you will have to really listen to what he is saying, like understanding a foreign accent. The good news is you and most other people will understand his speech relatively easily.
What treatment does your husband start Monday? Is he having chemo and radiation? This could also be why he still has the G-tube and trachy.
Take care,
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!