Marie,
Get the tube, trust me on this one. I had one put in when I had my operation April 16th. It served me well during radiation and I STILL have it now 4 months after radiation has ended. I am having it removed next Tuesday as I haven't used it for a few weeks. This tube is not a problem, but I'm sure it would have been a HUGE problem if I hadn't had it. Take care.

SCC Left Mandible. Jaw replaced with bone from leg. Neck disection, 37 radiation treatments. Recurrence 8-28-07, stage 2, tongue. One third of tongue removed 10-4-07. 5-23-08 chemo started for tumor behind swallowing passage, Our good friend and much loved OCF member Minnie has been lost to the disease (RIP 10-29-08). We will all miss her greatly.