Bookaren,
I had a lot of problems early post radiation with hoarseness and sometimes I just couldn't talk. Some people lose their voice completely for a little while post radiation and this is a normal thing. Some of it was phlegm and some of it dryness. I couldn't answer the telephone before noon! My ENT recently told me that is is very easy to get nodes on the vocal cords because of the dryness. It is much better now and my voice is closer to normal than it has been. Keep that water bottle handy. I went through the major phlegm hell also after several weeks post rad it just suddenly stopped. I can remember times not wanting to go to sleep so as not to have to wake up to the phlegm nightmare - it just wore me out sometimes. BUT IT PASSES! Thank you GOD!

I am amazed that you lost 50 lbs WITH the feeding tube!

It sounds like your suffering is pretty much within the curve of the normal recovery process. Take no chances, always ask your doctor with any doubts, fears or concerns. I promise you it will get better.

Disclaimer: Since hindsight is always 20-20, I probably should have gotten a feeding tube. Whether is would have helped with all the nausea from the chemo or constipation is debatable. I was able to swallow virtually the entire time of treatment (albeit sometimes painfully). My fatigue levels also made it difficult to stay on top of the caloric intake. The feeding tube may have been useful there also. If in doubt - get the feeding tube.