Delly, Kris had his entire tongue removed and part of his Pharynx. The surgeons told us that they built a downwards sloping shelf where the base of the tongue used to be. So that fluids would just go down the slope.
I just want to reassure you that if your Dad has been swallowing water and he is NOT coughing then he isn't aspirating. If fluids ( or food ) get into the lungs we cough . Our lungs are very good at coughing out what shouldn't be there.
I hope your Dad will be seeing a whole team while he undergoes radiotherapy. This should include the Speech therapists. Let them guide you on the swallowing
I would push very very hard to see a Speech therapist during radiotherapy. Make a nuisance of yourself if you have to. I think it is most important that Dad does start swallowing as soon as possible.
I was labelled as the wife from hell after Kris's surgery. But, I was fighting for my man and I wanted the best outcome for him. The whole team eventually apologised to me as I was proven right on a few important matters.
You are a wonderful Daughter.
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!