Thanks for the reply! Very informative. I also learned that apparently the forum does not flag you when there is a response to a posting. Having heard nothing since I made my post, I decided to check and found your reply. Perhaps I am missing something in my settings, but I would think informing one of a response would be quite simple as it is on other forums.

I've had the saliva and smell issue prior to radiation but your suggestion about the healing process seems valid. I can never get an answer to that seemingly simple question from my surgeons. Not looking to the final two weeks of radiation in that my mouth and lips are already full of sore areas and I was told that symptoms usually show up between the second and third week. Mine apparently wanted to get the jump on making my life more miserable. Good luck with your continued healing and speech improvement. I have been doing speech exercises three times a day, but as of now, my mouth and tongue have become too sore to participate. Take care. Sandy