KristenS - thank you so much for replying, it’s hard to hear that swallowing might never become mindless again but good to know it does at least improve.
I had a wonderful speech and language therapist whilst I was in hospital who taught me how to swallow again after the surgery so I will try to get in contact with her again.
My chin and neck are still very swollen, hard to the touch and stiff - i’ve been asking about massage techniques for ages as I’m terrified it will become/is a lymphodema but they keep telling me I have to wait?. I do massage it a bit each day whilst putting on vitamin E oil for the scarring.
It’s very hard to keep positive all the time although I’m certain it has helped me get this far but some days you just can’t help but feel down. Thankfully I’ve found this group so I don’t always feel so alone in my journey.