Becky, I think your choice of treatment is fine. The benefit of surgery first is that it heals faster. After radiation, surgeries are more difficult and heal slowly. Don't feel shy about asking his doctor (or another) why he/she chose the path they chose. I think you'll find it was a very normal decision.

I think that the swallowing therapy will only be necessary if he has problems beyond the norm. If your husband is able to swallow fairly ok then he will be fine. I say fairly ok because swelling and a certain amount of pain are normal. as it gets worse then he will need more liquid or blenderized food. Personally I had a little problem with getting liquids swallowed without a drop or two getting down the "wrong pipe" causing a coughing spell. That gradually went away.

Hang in there I think you are both doing fine.

How is his weight holding?

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.