Hi, As you may be aware, my husband John had the modified radical neck dissection done on Feb. 6th. The surgeon performed an "esophageal dilation" as well at the time to help him to eat better and more variety of foods. It seems to have helped to some degree - he can drink orange juice and even coffee without it burning - but yet certain foods that I would assume would not be a problem (such as french toast) still burn. He also has a chronic sore throat (and those darn persistant mouth sores) that seem to be adding to the problem. My question is: Is it common to have a sore throat that seems to be lasting awhile after a procedure like this - or do you think it is still the after-effects of the radiation treatment? Swallowing is better for the most part - but I think John and I expected more after this procedure. Also, John has ben home from the hospital since Feb 10th with the drainage tubes still in his chest wall. It's still draining and the fluids have not run "clear" yet. Does anyone know on average how long this can take? He's not allowed to go swimming or even to shower with that in place - and he's getting quite restless and wants that thing out already! Thanks.