I'm not sure swallowing ever becomes a mindless action, exactly, but it DOES get better. You get to where you don't think so hard about it ... but yes, choking randomly still happens, and seems like it maybe always will. I'm about five years out of treatment now, for that stuff at least. You do usually get to eat more normal foods again, though taste and spice and such will take time to adjust. I had a great speech therapist who worked with me once the radiation healing was done and I was off the feeding tube and such ... she had exercises for swallowing, for the tongue, for the neck ... massage techniques for the neck ... all sorts of good stuff. I only had a partial neck dissection and no trache, so that may change how they approach therapy, but they should have something for you as you improve.

((hugs)) You found a GREAT forum ... I know they've kept me going through some tough times!