Hi Walt & Pat;
Congratulations on the success.
As far as eating solid foods, you're correct, everyone is different. Coming out of treatment I didn't even want to open my mouth. I had a tough time with even water during my last week of treatment and the first couple weeks post treatment. I was hydrated almost daily through my port for a couple of weeks. Then all of a sudden it started improving, less pain and more "baby steps" with liquids. I did have a PEG tube which was my 'best friend' for a couple Months, but I started with eggs, jello, snack pack puddings, and oatmeal. It was ironic that I could eat oatmeal with milk, but couldn't handle milk any other way (even with cereal) as it burnt my mouth upon entry. Within a few weeks this improved and I was able to eat cereal which sat and softened in milk (still couldn't drink the milk though) and everything required lots of water to wash it down. From about 6 weeks on I really stretched myself, trying new and different things daily. Up until a few weeks ago most meats were too dry except in small quantity (great for my waist line-LOL) and acidic foods would burn a lot (tomato based products especially) The Dr.'s encouraged the experimentation, which helped keep my jaws and throat working as well. To this day, I still revert back to the "comfort foods of 6 Months ago (lots of eggs and cereal) but I am now eating almost anything I please, with the exception of very spicy stuff (which I used to love). I still must keep plenty of fluids to wash it down towards the end of the meal, but my RO is very pleased with how much saliva production I have regained. I am even eating bread at this point, although some types aren't too easy to deal with. My RO was ecstatic about the bread thing. Chicken has always been a favorite, but the white meat tends to be dry and stringy compared to dark meat, so if attempting chicken that is my recommendation (I still have a tough time with chicken breast).
Experiment away and don't back off. You will soon surprise yourself. Talk on this board as well. Your friends and supporters here will help guide a motivate you.

Best wishes,
Steve