I second Donna's comments about a swallow study. Ask to see someone who is a specialist in swallowing disorders. My surgery was in March and radiation in May/June 01. By October I was still barely swallowing. Even liquids were difficult and any "solid" no matter how soft, was impossible. My local speech therapist had never worked with someone with so much difficulty. I finally got a referral to a specialist at the Mayo Clinic (one of my surgeries was done there) and she conducted a swallow study. Some of my issues sound similar to yours. Part of the problem is the dryness and part is the epiglotis not being as flexible anymore. I was very discouraged but the specialist told me she had seen people as bad as I was and worse and that improvement was possible. I still need very soft foods and lots of water but at least I am eating and not on a feeding tube.
ilene