Len,

I know it's frustrating, but I don't think your experience is abnormal. After 15 years, I've concluded that "mouth issues" may gradually decrease, but I don't think they really go away. When we go for Mexican food, I never can venture beyond the mildest salsa. When we go for Thai food, I have to stop at the mildest curry -- and even then I have to drown it with liquid. There are many cuts of meat that I still find too chewy, so I always avoid them (my diet is more heavily skewed toward seafood and pasta, which is OK with me).

I never had a PEG tube, so I can't comment on that aspect of it. If I were devising a rating system for the eating experience from then to now it would be:

During radiation (and for 4-6 weeks after) - excruciating; didn't want to face food

6-8 months after - painful

2-3 years after - clumsy and sometimes painful

Now - sometimes clumsy and infrequently painful

However, I've found a wide assortment of foods I can enjoy - so no complaining here.

Cathy