Darrell,

I think that will depend upon you and how willing you are to push yourself. You may have to take pain meds before eating for a few weeks. I'd wait about 2 weeks before trying to swallow, but if you want to try before then I think that's great. The longer you wait the more apt you are to loose some function. My swallowing is no where near where it was before radiation. The best exercise for swallowing is swallowing. Liquid might be the toughest to begin with.

Congratulations on making it through!!! Remember to be patient with yourself. Measure time in weeks and months rather than in days. You can do it. I'm routing for a quick recovery.

Lynn